7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey has become an international best-seller and the Center for Community Engagement, Learning and Leadership, now offers two different programs to teach the book to those interested.
One of the programs offered is geared towards graduates or faculty who have already experienced the business- world and would just like to receive helpful tips to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills.
The second is more beneficial to undergraduates and can be applied to studying and getting the most out of college life.
Both types of seminars are offered several times during each semester, including an upcoming student program on Feb. 25.
The main focus of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is moving from dependence to independence, to finally, interdependence, which emphasizes being able to work well with others to effectively get things done.
These three levels are divided into three smaller goals, or habits, that one must work on to achieve the next step. The last habit, ‘sharpening the saw,’ is based on improving your habits one day at a time.
“If the individuals who make up a group don’t feel successful, no one in the group will achieve their intended goal,” said Deborah Harley, assistant vice president of the CELL. “Success can start with one person and this book takes the essence of that thought and puts it into sections that make sense and work.”
Harley said that several hundred people have tried the seminars since they were first offered last March.
“There really aren’t any classes given teaching you how to be an effective leader for your future career,” said Harley.
“It’s easy for people to think their degree gives them all the skills they need to be successful, but this seminar and this book will help students gain practical tips on how to lead a group or collaborate with future co-workers.”
Out of all seven habits, Harley said she believes “Seek first to understand . then be understood” is the hardest concept for people to grasp.
Its basic meaning is to listen to others before making comments or believing your ideas are more important and should be heard first.
“All of us . we’re so into ourselves and have the me, me, me attitude,” Harley said. “You really need to make yourself stop and focus on how to be a good listener.”
The CELL also offers other seminars and workshops on service work and leadership, such as StrengthsQuest and LeadershipPlenty.
“[The CELL] is all about teaching students how to be citizens and leaders with free or inexpensive programs,” said Harley.
The adult 7 Habits seminar costs $100, including the book of the same name. The students’ seminar is $15.
For questions or more information on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People seminars or any other workshop, call the CELL at 439-5675.

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