Stephen Covey: A Truly Inspirational Force for Innovation in Human Development
We are saddened by the passing of Stephen Covey last week from injuries suffered in a biking accident a few months ago. We have lost one of the truly innovative and inspiring leaders in personal and professional development. We will deeply miss and always remember him. Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Covey family.
What is most important to remember is that, while Mr. Covey was one of the most respected thought leaders and one of the main authorities on leadership and how to develop it, he lived his own personal and professional life devoted to Principal Centered Leadership: He taught the skills and walked the talk.
While Mr. Covey was best known for his seminal work “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” his whole life work covered multiple media channels over multiple decades, and moved millions of people to apply themselves in better ways, feel better about themselves and what they value, and work and live better with other people.
It is hard to underestimate the impact he made on our own profession of organizational and human development. He helped us put trust and caring on the front burner of thousands of executives who had been afraid to “show they cared” or struggled to communicate effectively.
As is noted by FranklinCovey President Bob Whitman:
“Stephen was one of the world’s great human beings. His impact is incalculable and his influence will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Brooke Bovo and David Tighe
Image credit: Bloomberg News