Seven Habits leader says people can find success

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Jan. 28, 2003
A consultant with the Montgomery Institute said Monday that Meridian can become a better community by incorporating the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
Jerry Aull told the Meridian Rotary Club that the Seven Habits, first outlined by best-selling author Stephen Covey, help give people a better focus and make it easier to deal with daily stress.
So far, four workshops have been held under sponsorship of The Montgomery Institute, the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. and the Riley Foundation.
The Seven Habits create positive change by focusing people on such things as accepting responsibility for actions, encouraging creative thinking and creating a positive work environment.
Covey developed the Seven Habits as a series of college lectures that subsequently turned into his best-selling book. Covey's goal was to find what highly effective people had in common.
Aull focused on two main points Monday: taking responsibility and beginning each task with an end in mind.
Wade Jones, president of the EMBDC and a Rotary Club member, said "the seven habits help to break down barriers in the community. It will make us better parents and a better community."
Aull said he believes that people will have more credibility as leaders if they strive to make good ethical behavior a part of their personality rather than focusing solely on success.
He said the Seven Habits also help develop an understanding and language that will be productive in all relationships. He said people at his workshop are more successful in personal and business lives.