On Thursday, January 18th, 2024, the Orange County chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI-OC) gathered virtually for another engaging book club meeting. This time, the spotlight was on Stephen R. Covey’s timeless classic, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The book, known for its transformative insights on personal and team effectiveness, provided the members with valuable principles applicable to their professional and personal lives.

Diving into the 7 Habits

The virtual meeting kicked off with members sharing their initial impressions of the book. Before delving into the discussion, the group collectively rated the book, giving it an impressive average score of 4.5 out of 5. Covey’s principles resonated with the project management professionals.

The heart of the discussion revolved around the seven habits outlined by Covey:

• 1. Be Proactive
• 2. Begin with the End in Mind
• 3. Put First Things First
• 4. Think Win-Win
• 5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
• 6. Synergize
• 7. Sharpen the Saw

Highlights of the Discussion

The members explored various aspects of the book, sharing insights and personal experiences related to the habits. Key points of focus included empathetic listening, the importance of prioritization (particularly by putting first things first), active listening to truly understand others, managing time effectively, and balancing urgent tasks. The richness of the discussion highlighted the relevance of Covey’s principles to the challenges project managers face.

Application to Project Management

As the conversation flowed, members discussed how the principles could be applied to their roles as project managers. The proactive approach, strategic thinking, and emphasis on collaboration and understanding proved to be valuable tools in navigating complex projects. The group found common ground in the idea that implementing these habits could lead to enhanced project success and team dynamics.

The Rising Book Rating

Interestingly, after the in-depth discussion, the group revisited their initial ratings. The book’s score rose significantly, reaching an impressive 4.8 out of 5. This uptick reflected the discussion’s impact and the members’ practical insights.

Looking Ahead

As the meeting concluded, members eagerly anticipated the next book club gathering scheduled for March 21st, 2024. The upcoming read is “The Jelly Effect: How to Make Your Communication Stick” by Andy Bounds. 

The virtual book club meeting proved to be a dynamic and enlightening experience for the participants. The exploration of Covey’s habits fostered a sense of shared learning and growth among project management professionals, setting the stage for future discussions and insights.