US

Stephen Covey, Author of ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,’ Dies

Stephen Covey, author of the popular book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” has died. He was 79 years old.

In a statement sent to employees of a Utah consulting firm Covey co-founded (FranklinCovey), his family said the writer and motivational speaker died at a hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho, early Monday due to complications from a bicycle accident in April.

Stephen Covey Dies From Bike Accident

Stephen Covey speaks to students during the forum Mexico XXI Century, organized by Telmex Foundation, at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008. (Photo: Gregory Bull)

“In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving wife and each one of his children and their spouses, just as he always wanted,” the family said.

Covey was hospitalized after being knocked unconscious in the bicycle accident on a steep road in the foothills of Provo, Utah, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

At the time, his publicist, Debra Lund, said doctors had not found any signs of long-term damage to his head.

“He just lost control on his bike and crashed,” Lund said. “He was wearing a helmet, which is good news.”

Catherine Sagers, Covey’s daughter, told The Salt Lake Tribune in April that her father had suffered some bleeding on his brain after the bicycle accident. A report at the time detailed the accident:

Covey was a former Brigham Young University professor who became nationally popular after publishing “7 Habits” in 1989. That led to stardom and a successful career not only as an author but also as a consultant at his firm.

The Salt Lake Tribune has more on Covey’s life:

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard University and a doctorate from Brigham Young University.

Covey’s management post at BYU led to “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which launched a second career as management guru for companies and government agencies, among them Saturn, Ritz Carlton, Proctor & Gamble, Sears Roebuck and Co., NASA, Black & Decker, Public Broadcasting Service, Amway, American Cancer Society and the Internal Revenue Service.

[...]

“The 7 Habits” also was the catalyst for his Covey Leadership Center in Orem. The center began as Stephen R. Covey & Associates in 1980 and was renamed the Covey Leadership Center in 1989. It grew to 40 offices worldwide that sold training, books, tapes and videos and produced conferences where Covey talked about his approach to business management.

From 1992 to 1996, it had profits of $19 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission documents.

In 1997, the Covey Leadership Center merged with Franklin Quest, which sold a successful time-management planner, to become FranklinCovey. Covey or a trust he established was to receive $27 million in cash or stock as a result of the merger, according to SEC documents.

“7 Habits” spent three weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, reports the Salt Lake Tribune, and sparked a flurry of other books including “First Things First,“ ”Principle-Centered Leadership,“ and ”The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families,” to name a few.

You can watch some of the tips from his book below:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (14)

  • USAOneNationUnderGod
    Posted on July 17, 2012 at 2:06am

    Mr. Covey once gave a presentation for ProctEr & Gamble employees. I was in my early 20′s at the time. He showed an ink drawing of an old woman that upon closer inspection resembled a young woman. I’ll never forget that lesson that things are not always as they first appear. I’m grateful for that and all of his wonderful books. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

    Report Post »  
  • aggiebrewer
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:15pm

    I had to read that snoozer of a book a decade ago for a job. chickafication of management.
    Seemed like a good man over all.

    Report Post »  
  • 22AUTOMATIC
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 6:05pm

    One of the great motivators and innovators of the past 100 years. Bob Proctor, Jim Rohn, Anthony Robbins, Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnagie, Brian Tracy, Og Mandino, Stephen Covey, Jim Collins, Norman Vincent Peale, Wallace Wattles all wrote books and had programs that have transformed millions of lives, including my own.

    “Seek first to understand, and then to be understood.” – Stephen Covey

    R.I.P

    Report Post » 22AUTOMATIC  
  • mayasaay
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 4:00pm

    I’ve admired this man for years. And had a little fan crush on him, too. So sorry to see him pass. His workshops and seminars helped me tremendously. Rest in peace.

    Report Post »  
  • CaliforniaD
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:28pm

    As a videographer, I videotaped one of his presentations about 10 years ago. He was the kindest man. He was pleased to get a copy of my tape, saying his off-the-cuff remarks were often nice to have recorded for possible use his future books. He was humble and friendly. A good man.

    Report Post »  
  • I am 'We the People
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:20pm

    Rest in peace good sir, and enjoy the rewards of your good deeds.

    Report Post » I am 'We the People  
  • Searchingforthelight
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:12pm

    Amazing Man. Amazing Company. The world needs more positive guidance.

    Report Post »  
  • nealb4zodd
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:08pm

    My favorite Covey quote, “While we are free to choose our actions, are are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” – Brilliant guy, great book. (7 habits) – i still refer to it today from time to time.

    Report Post » nealb4zodd  
  • fiapoliticofoi
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:05pm

    May you rest in peace. Our prayers are with your family.

    Report Post » fiapoliticofoi  
  • netmarcos
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 1:44pm

    He took a handful of basic Sunday School lessons and repackaged them as business strategies and made millions. Brilliant. No, really; brilliant.

    Report Post » netmarcos  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 1:57pm

      LOL, you are right. I have all his books and went to hear in speak. He lived an honorable life and I was grateful that he could share the basic principles of truth in this universe without fighting over which religion it belonged to.

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
    • ReaganBaby
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:11pm

      I knew some of his family members in Provo; I heard nothing but great things about this family man. He was very honorable. My condolences go to his family.

      Report Post » ReaganBaby  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 1:32pm

    Always enjoyed having him on my radio show; he will be missed.

    Report Post »  
    • OutOfTheAether
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 2:08pm

      Know the family. My heart goes out to them. They loved their father/grandfather very much

      Report Post » OutOfTheAether  

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