From the Bookshelf This is a fortnightly review of bestsellers for business executives Inspirational voice By Nicole Wong Making a genuine difference can become a habit In a society which generally puts such emphasis on career success, it is surprising how many of us still accept difficult conditions in the workplace as if they were a "part of the job". Tales of low job satisfaction, unfair pay and lousy bosses are all too common, and when they lead to a limited sense of personal value and no feeling of belonging, are the direct cause of any number of resignations. Far too often, though, we allow circumstances to control us and fail to make use of our real strengths and vocations. In The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, Stephen R. Covey provides advice and ideas about what we should do. His previous book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, was a runaway success, with its call for principle-centred leadership and practical recommendations for achieving it. However, the objective in today's world has moved from "effectiveness" to "greatness", making it necessary to add something to the original seven habits. A new principle – “ Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs" – requires us to engage in reality with a new mindset, and to practise this in our lives as an "8th habit". Getting inspired In this context, the concept of "voice" – explained as our "unique personal significance" – may be hard to grasp, but is illustrated by the story of the founding of Grameen Bank (The 8th Habit, p.5). Muhammad Yunus, a university economics professor in Bangladesh, was moved by the sight of the country's extreme poverty and offered to guarantee the loans made by local banks to the poorest villagers. His sense of conviction in doing this led him to set up Grameen Bank in 1983. It is a unique organisation established with the sole purpose of extending small loans, or microcredit, to people fighting for survival. This, in Covey's words, is the perfect example of finding one's voice through inspiring others to find theirs. Sensing a human need and responding to his conscience, Muhammad Yunus applied his talent and passion to being the banker for the poor. He discovered his voice by making a contribution to others. Millions of villagers have had their destinies changed – going from a life of barely getting by to running cottage industries and paying their way. Taking the lead Such a combination of need, conscience, talent and passion often requires ideal circumstances, but Covey believes we can practise the 8th habit at different levels in our lives. The concept of "personal greatness" is exemplified in the story of a widow who, by listening to her conscience and diligently applying herself to further studies, fulfils her vision of being able to improve community relations through voluntary work. Taking the initiative to effect change can also pave the way for "leadership greatness". In this respect, Covey cites an employee who, rather than avoiding his bad-tempered boss and always taking the safe option, seeks instead to get more involved in projects which reduce costs and lead to a revision of the company – insurance policies. He becomes an example and inspiration for others, his insights lead to changes in the workplace, and the company starts to operate more effectively as a result. In the same light, the author explains that an organisation can also achieve "greatness". Essentially, this is done by having a clear vision and sure values which are understood by all staff and create commitment, cooperation and accountability. Covey's ideals will have an inherent appeal for many of us, since they suggest we can do more with our lives. It may not, however, be easy for readers to grasp the concepts of "leadership greatness" and "organisational greatness", as the essential details are set out in many different parts of the book. It may also be a stretch for most readers to see themselves applying such principles in their own workplace, where hierarchy and rules probably prevail. The 8th Habit, though, serves as a timely reminder of how we need not simply hope for improvement and wait for others to act. We have responsibility for our own lives and must find individual ways to achieve our goals. Content highlights: Our "voice" is our unique personal significance. It comes from a combination of talent and passion and is based on a strong sense of conviction. Through making a contribution to others, we can find our own voice and inspire other people to find theirs. We can achieve greatness on a personal, leadership and organisational level if we take the initiative to create changes. About the authors Stephen R. Covey is a renowned authority on leadership and families, and is a teacher, organisational consultant and vice chairman of FranklinCovey Company. He is the author of several acclaimed books and has received numerous honours and awards, including being named one of Time's most influential people. Covey's previous work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, has sold 15 million copies and was chosen by Chief Executive magazine as the most influential book of the 20th century. "Stephen Covey has long been a sure-footed guide to those desiring to better themselves. The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness shows how to climb the summit of fulfillment and achievement" – Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes and editor in chief, Forbes magazine. Taken from Career Times 6 May 2005 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]