The 8th Habit
BOOK REVIEWS
“Going beyond success to find your voice.”
In The 8th Habit, Stephen Covey, author of the classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, takes things to the next level by introducing an 8th habit that’s all about finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs. It’s not just about personal effectiveness anymore—it’s about reaching a higher level of leadership and contribution that makes a real difference in the world.
Why This Book Matters
So you’ve nailed personal productivity with The 7 Habits—you’re organized, focused, and effective. But Covey argues that effectiveness alone isn’t enough. In The 8th Habit, he shifts the focus from just getting things done to finding your true voice—the unique contribution that only you can make. For leaders, this is huge. It’s not just about managing tasks anymore; it’s about inspiring your team to reach their potential and creating a culture where everyone is empowered to contribute. If you’re looking to evolve from effective to truly impactful, this book is your next step.
Key Takeaways for Future Success
Find Your Voice: The book defines “voice” as the intersection of your talent, passion, conscience, and need (similar to the Japanese concept of Ikigai). It’s that sweet spot where you’re not just good at something, but it feels meaningful and aligned with your values. Leaders who operate from this space are able to inspire others to find their voices, too.
Shift from Independence to Interdependence: Covey’s earlier work focused on being proactive and self-reliant, but The 8th Habit is about collaboration and connection. True leadership comes from recognizing that we achieve more together than we ever could alone.
Inspire Greatness in Others: Leaders aren’t just responsible for their own growth—they’re responsible for unlocking potential in others. The highest form of leadership is empowering others to be their best, and this requires trust, vision, and a commitment to helping your team find their own voices.
Putting into Practice
I had a decent handle on personal productivity; I wasn’t fully tapped into my purpose. Covey’s idea of “finding your voice” pushed me to think about what I really wanted to contribute to my work and my team. I started focusing more on helping others develop their strengths and became a Strengths Coach, which made a noticeable difference in how we all collaborated. Today, conducting workshops and learning sessions for my team is an integral part of my working style.
Quote to Remember
“Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.”
This quote perfectly sums up the book’s message: real leadership is about helping others discover their own greatness. It’s not just about managing tasks; it’s about lifting people up.
How It Helps You Look Forward
The 8th Habit challenges us to go beyond mere effectiveness and focus on creating a legacy of empowerment and contribution. For leaders, this book is a powerful reminder that our greatest success lies in helping others find their own. As you look ahead, Covey’s insights will help you evolve into a leader who not only achieves results but also inspires meaningful change. Finding your voice—and helping others find theirs—is the key to long-term impact and fulfillment.