My second-grade daughter – and all the second-graders in the Dallas Independent School District – are spending time learning the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
When Stephen Covey’s book first came out in 1989, it was revolutionary, cutting-edge thought about how to live your life.
I used 7 Habits in my business, taking my nightclub management teams to see Covey speak at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Dallas.
Then I challenged them to use this material in our business.
It only took 30 years for the 7 Habits to get to 7-year-olds.
Who Says Nothing Lasts Forever?
What makes something like 7 Habits hang around for so long and affect so many people and age groups?
Covey’s book stressed fundamentals.
And fundamentals – whether we use them in our restaurants, to manage our companies, or live our lives – last longer than we do.
In second grade, the original book has been adapted for a younger audience with The Leader in Me.
So, for instance, to Habit 3 (Put First Things First), The Leader in Me adds, “Work First, Then Play.”
Also, to Habit 4 (Think Win-Win) The Leader in Me adds, “Everybody Can Win.”
The school encourages parents to talk about 7 Habits at home so students will make the connection to the work in the class.
I experience solid entertainment value from the day-ending dessert when my daughter and I try to list all seven habits from memory before we read bedtime stories.
It’s astonishing that I have moved so far on this – from discussing this material with my General Managers to listing habits with my daughter.
Matthew’s 7 Habits – Adapted for Restaurateurs
Take a look at Covey’s 7 Habits – adapted with my thoughts for you, the successful owner of a multi-unit independent restaurant company.
- Be Proactive – Establish a clear strategy, then work from it; never be a victim.
- Begin with the End in Mind – Create a clear vision, then work backwards to make it real.
- Put First Things First – Develop a sequence of tactics and methodology to create that vision. Don’t allow shiny objects to distract you.
- Think Win-Win – Do the right thing for guests and employees. Focus on that. You’ll see that even competitive markets have plenty of business for everyone.
- Seek First to Understand, and Then Be Understood – Always let your team members have the first word. Follow that up with yours so they participate, learn, and grow.
- Synergize – Don’t try to do everything yourself. Use insiders and outsiders in growing your brands, company, and net worth.
- Sharpen the Saw – The success of your company and the market share of your brand depend on everyone who contributes to improving every year.
These 7 Habits go to work when building revenue, profit, unit growth, harmony, freedom, and net worth for my clients.
Over to you. What amped-up success will you have when you adopt these habits?
