Yet in the work world the importance of these skills is reversed, with listening being the most important on average. Affirming or acknowledging a person's motives creates emotional deposits. Effective selling is based upon emphatic listening. Synergy means the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Covey tells the story of a man sawing a tree with a dull saw who won't take the time to sharpen the saw , with the consequence that it takes longer over all to saw the tree, and at a greater effort.
Covey recommends beginning with a goal of a book a month, then one every two weeks, then one a week.
The person who doesn't read is no better off than the person who can't read. The late Dr. Hans Selye, in his monumental research on stress, basically says that a long, healthy, and happy life is the result of making contributions, of having meaningful projects that are personally exciting and contribute to and bless the lives of others. In Covey's final chapter he reveals how he used his own principles, especially empathic listening with his wife to work through some difficult issues. Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should he.