It's better to be trusted than to be liked.

Actually I did not invent the seven habits, they are universal principles and most of what I wrote about is just common sense. I am embarrassed when people talk about the Covey Habits, and dislike the idea of being some sort of guru.

Employees are given the chance to help shape their company by participating in a company-wide communications program making suggestions on waste reduction, environmental improvement, customer satisfaction, quality improvement, and safety issues.

If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.

"You can buy a person's hand, but you can't buy their heart. His heart is where his enthusiasm, his loyalty is. You can buy his back, but you can't buy his brain. That's where his creativity is, his ingenuity, his his resourcefulness."

I keep my phone number unlisted and rely on my associates to handle all voice mail, e-mail, faxes.

When you really listen to another person from their point of view, and reflect back to them that understanding, it's like giving them emotional oxygen.