7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers

Stephen Covey’s 7-habit framework is a great practical guide for people managers who want to inspire, engage, and retain top talent. Here’s how you can implement it in your team.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers

  1. Be proactive: Stop firefighting. Build a culture of continuous development with weekly check-ins, feedback, and coaching—even when things are going well.

  2. Begin with the end in mind: Set goals with clarity. Help your team visualize how their work contributes to the bigger picture.

  3. Put first things first: Focus on impact—not just activity. Prioritize strategic thinking over firefighting—what are you really paid to solve?

  4. Think win-win: Recognition matters. Celebrate not just high performers, but team-first behaviors that drive collective success.

  5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood: Practice active listening. Ask open-ended questions in your check-ins. Listen not to reply—but to learn.

  6. Synergize: Encourage cross-functional collaboration. Diverse thinking drives better outcomes and stronger teams.

  7. Sharpen the saw: Coach the whole person. Support career growth, well-being, and continuous learning.


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