A Timeless Reminder: Character Still Comes First
When starting something new, it often helps to revisit timeless wisdom.
Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, first published in 1989, remains one of those enduring guides—and perhaps, now more than ever, its truths are just beginning to resonate on a wider scale.
Here’s why that matters.
Leadership Isn’t a Technique—It’s a Trust
Covey’s insights remind us that real leadership starts from within. No amount of clever communication, motivation strategies, or charisma can compensate for a lack of integrity.
“If my character is fundamentally flawed—marked by duplicity and insincerity—then in the long run, I cannot be successful… My duplicity will breed distrust.”
You can have the best-sounding intentions. You can master every leadership book on the shelf. But without trust, everything else collapses. Because people can always sense the difference between sincerity and manipulation.
Character > Recognition
There are two kinds of greatness, according to Covey:
Secondary greatness – public praise, awards, and titles.
Primary greatness – inner character, consistency, and integrity.
Far too often, the world rewards the former. But it’s the latter that sustains relationships, strengthens teams, and leads to true long-term success.
“What we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do.”
The Influence of Who You Are
William George Jordan once wrote:
“Into the hands of every individual is given marvelous power for good or evil—the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of their life.”
That influence isn’t tied to your job title. It’s tied to your example.
Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just navigating your daily life, who you are will always speak louder than what you say or do.
A Call to Reflect
As leadership crises continue to unfold in headlines, Covey’s words are still the most relevant lens we can use. Look at any fallen CEO or crumbling institution, and you’ll likely find that what was missing wasn’t a strategy—but character.
So, before chasing the next big thing, maybe it’s time to revisit the basics:
Trust. Integrity. Consistency. Self-mastery.
Those aren’t just good habits. They’re the foundation for everything.