Stephen R. Covey And His Concept Of Time Management
Being known as one of the top 25 most influential Americans in the famous Time magazine, Dr. Stephen R. Covey has continually committed his career life to demonstrate how truly an individual can have a great control over his destiny.
His profound and straightforward guidance in teaching the importance of time management tools in achieving a successful life has made him an exceptionally popular author, professional speaker, consultant, and management expert. As an internationally-respected leader, his advice has indeed helped millions of people all over the world.
Two of his books that have greatly contributed to the achievement and success needs of individuals are those that conceptualized the important idea of managing one’s use of his time wisely and effectively.
In one of these books entitled “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Dr. Covey stresses the third important habit to be developed in order to become effective, which is time management. Such habit, once established, may help the person achieve success by aligning himself to his priorities and putting important things first. In his other book entitled “First Things First,” he further leads people to empower their minds by truly defining important things, accomplishing only worthwhile goals, and leading a rewarding and balanced life.
As he popularly quoted, “the key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” He even sums up how we can best use our time. He once said, “I am personally persuaded that the best thinking in the area of time management can be captured in a single phrase: Organize and execute around priorities.”
Setting priorities then is the key element in time management.
To execute how to make priorities above all other priorities, Covey further asserts that there are three generations of time management that would help the individual realize his primary role in moving beyond what is important and urgent. Accordingly, the three generations of time management are tasks lists, personal organizers, and values clarification. This process would eventually lead the person to be able to identify personal activities which he values most in his routine. Identifying those long lists of tasks and activities would help the individual recognize what things need to be accomplished first.
Integrating these activities into one’s own personal organizer would also guide the person to meet specific deadlines. Lastly, clarifying the importance of scheduling activities according to what the person values may somehow lead the person to accomplish quality tasks effectively.
