Stephen R. Covey on Leadership

I just attended a presentation by Stephen R. Covey (author of the best-selling book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"). Dr. Covey was honored in 1996 as one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans. He discussed some of the 7 Habits with regards to leadership.

As a teacher, Dr. Covey would ask his students to take out a blank sheet of paper and write on the left side "How Others See Me", on the right side "How God Sees Me", and then list as much as they could about themselves from those viewpoints. Then underneath, he would have them write "How I See Myself." Without fail about 75 percent of his class would match their personal viewpoints (the concepts they have of themselves) with how others see them -- called the "social mirror". Dr. Covey indicated that the other 1/3 were on their way to becoming leaders.

In order to become a true leader, you must realize that you are a product of the divine mirror -- a unique individual -- not a product of the social mirror -- what others think of you. "You can make a huge difference in your lives," Covey said. "Leadership is a choice. You can make that choice."

"Even small choices can bring about big changes." Dr. Covey continued, "Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs."

As I listened and learned from Dr. Covey, I realized that my personal desires to achieve excellence in life-coaching is because I love to help others achieve their own potentials. It's is exciting to watch as someone finds their passion, finds their voice and inspires others around them. I wonder how many Mozarts are out there who didn't want to play the piano because none of their friends played the piano. I wonder if there are Michaelangelos in the world who have never taken the opportunity to paint or sculpt because they were expected to go into the family business. I wonder if there are moms in the work place who would rather be home with their children but keep working because "it's expected".

Then I look at my own life and wonder if I keep myself "too busy" because it's easier than finishing my book. Well, Dr. Covey certainly reminded me to put "First-Things-First", so I'm back to writing.

Life coaching is all about helping others to find their own voice, to become leaders, to help free themselves from worrying about the "social mirror" and instead to focus on their inner strengths, gifts and talents and BECOMING who they really are.

If you have ever felt dissatisfaction with the direction you are headed, consider finding a life coach who can encourage you and help you take the steps necessary to find fulfillment.