Who is he?
Covey (born 1932) is the former professor of business management and author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People whose theories on personal development have become a blueprint for success worldwide.

What’s the theory?
Positive thinking. The King of Empowerment says that if we work on our mental attitudes, the path to virtually any success can be found. The key to controlling one’s environment, he says, rather than letting one’s environment take control, is self-determination: by learning positive mental habits, we can control our response to whatever life throws at us, and ultimately the consequences. Covey made the terms “proactive” and “win-win” part of everyday speech in the 1990s, while his essential advice to managers was “discover, plan and act”.

Boardroom or chat show?
No difference. More than 150 of the Fortune 500 companies have used his approach to improve quality, teamwork, leadership and customer-focused service. When Clinton reached his lowest ebb in 1994, who did he call? You guessed it. And Tony Blair is said to be a follower of Covey’s managerial techniques that advocate integrity and co-operation.

What’s he worth?
In the 1990s he sold more than 12 million copies, in 32 languages, in the first five years — as well as a blockbusting self-help audio tape. His leadership development company, Franklin Covey, was reported to have grossed $585m (£320 million) in 2000 while tickets to his “live” satellite broadcasts — beamed to more than 30 cities — sell at $199 each.

Any hints for gaining that positive attitude?
“Don’t argue for other people’s weaknesses. Don’t argue for your own. When you make a mistake, admit it, correct it and learn from it — immediately.”



KAREN BAYNE

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