What Would Blackbeard Say

Arrr, me hearties! Let's hoist the Jolly Roger and delve into these 7 habits (in bold) Mr. Covey shares, from the perspective of a swashbuckling sea dog like meself.

Be Proactive: Aye, in the pirate life, ye can't be waitin' fer the booty to come to ye. Ye gotta be proactive, always ready to seize the wind and set sail. If a pirate captain waits fer the perfect moment to attack, he'll end up in Davy Jones' locker. So, be like a savvy pirate, take charge of yer destiny, and chart a course to plunder and riches!

Begin with the End in Mind: Every buccaneer worth his salt knows that ye can't set sail without a destination in mind. Before embarkin' on a grand adventure, ye need to know where ye be headin'. Whether it be a Spanish galleon laden with gold or a remote island stashin' buried treasure, keep yer eyes on the prize, and let it guide ye through the storms and squalls of the high seas.

Put First Things First: Aye, it be easy to get distracted by the siren's call of rum and revelry, but a wise pirate knows when to buckle down and focus on the task at hand. Ye can't be fixin' the riggin' when the ship's takin' on water! Prioritize yer plunderin', me hearties, and tackle the most important tasks afore the rest. That way, ye'll be raisin' a tankard of grog in victory afore ye know it.

Think Win/Win: Now, this be a tricky one for a pirate, as we be accustomed to takin' what we want without regard for others. But even the fiercest buccaneer knows that sometimes it be best to parley rather than plunder. Seekin' a win/win situation means makin' deals that benefit both parties. So, when negotiatin' with a rival captain or makin' arrangements with a port town, aim to strike a bargain that leaves both sides happy... or at least not wantin' to send ye to the gallows!

Seek First to Understand/Then to be Understood: Arrr, communication be the key to avoidin' mutiny among the crew! Before ye start bellowin' orders like a salty sea dog, take the time to listen to yer mates and understand their concerns. Whether it be settlin' disputes among the crew or negotiatin' with a rival faction, seekin' to understand their point of view can lead to smoother sailin' and fewer skirmishes on the high seas.

Synergize: Aye, me hearties, when ye be part of a crew, ye be stronger together than ye be alone. Synergy be the magic that happens when each member of the crew brings their own strengths to the table, creatin' a force to be reckoned with. So, me buccaneers, work together like a well-oiled machine, and ye'll be takin' on the mightiest of ships without breakin' a sweat.

Sharpen the Saw: Even the hardiest of pirates need to take a break from pillagin' and plunderin' to sharpen their blades and mend their sails. Sharpenin' the saw be all about takin' care of yerself, me hearties. Whether it be honin' yer navigatin' skills, keepin' yer weapons in top condition, or simply takin' a moment to enjoy the salty breeze and clear yer mind, investin' in self-improvement be essential for any successful scallywag.

Arr, Steven Covey's Seven Habits be a fine set of guidelines for any landlubber or salty sea dog alike. They be offerin' a compass to navigate the treacherous waters of life, whether ye be a desk jockey in the city or a swashbuckler on the high seas.

In me humble opinion, these habits be timeless treasures worth their weight in doubloons. They teach ye to be proactive in chartin' yer course, to set yer sights on the horizon, to prioritize yer plunderin', and to seek alliances rather than conflict. They remind ye to listen to yer crewmates, work together like a well-oiled ship, and take care of yerself along the way.

So, whether ye be a modern-day merchant or a buccaneer of the seven seas, adherin' to Covey's Seven Habits be sure to set ye on a course for success and adventure alike! Me highly recommend his book if ye would like to be a more effective swashbuckler!