Business Communication: Reflective Analysis of Covey’s 7 Habits

This essay provides a reflective analysis of Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," focusing on the application of these habits in business communication. It begins by explaining Covey's concept of "beginning with the end in mind," illustrating its usefulness with a personal example of leading a group assignment. The essay then delves into Covey's quadrant figure for time management, categorizing activities by urgency and importance and providing a visual representation with personal examples. The author reflects on their time allocation within each quadrant, offering insights into their priorities and areas for improvement. The analysis demonstrates a clear understanding of Covey's principles and their practical application in both personal and professional contexts.

Running head: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
1
Business Communication
Name
Academic Institution

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION 2
Business Communication
Part 2A
Describe what Covey means by “beginning with the end in mind.” Give an example from a
current issue in your life in which this habit would be useful.
Character and behavior are elements that an individual needs to be a reliable employee,
student, or personality in the society. Habits form character and therefore possessing constructive
habits builds an individual wholesomely (Covey, 2004). One of the habits discussed by Convey
is “beginning with the end in mind” which is the second habit in his Habits of Highly Effective
People Series. The core concept in this habit is understanding one’s purpose and on top of it
figuring out what one wishes to achieve (Chowney, 2013). One has to visualize and imagine
what is not possible at the moment but believing they can happen in the near future.
Additionally, a mission statement has to be developed to ensure you are working on something
achievable.
I recently had an experience that prompted me to apply the beginning with the end in
mind habit. In the past week, we had a group assignment to complete and I was put in charge on
the group. I had never been a leader before, especially when handling a class project. However, I
had to step up and make sure the assignment was complete perfectly and in time. I envisioned in
my mind that the best possible way of handling the task was through the divide and conquer
method. I had to establish the statement of the problem and the expected outcomes.
Understanding the two aspects gave me together with the group a goal to work towards.
Fortunately, I was successful as a project leader as we passed the assignment.

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Part 2B
The Quadrant figure of Covey’s separates activities by urgency and importance. Create a visual
presentation of examples for each quadrant. Where do you tend to operate more? Least?
Describe your time in percentages for each quadrant.
It is very common to experience pressure in today’s world especially when one has a lot
of commitment and balancing these responsibilities is required of him/her. Urgency and
importance are more than a matter of concern in our lives. It is not only reserved for special
occasions but also in everyday activities (Covey, 2004). The effective management of all the
responsibilities is now a requirement for both leaders and non-leaders. Covey’s quadrant figure
can be used in time management emphatically when laying out priorities.
Figure 1
URGENT NOT URGENT
IMPORTANT 1st Quadrant (38%)
Class Projects and Assignments
Medical Checkups
2nd Quadrant (28%)
Gym and Exercise
Time with family
NOT IMPORTANT 3rd Quadrant (21%)
Phone Calls
Meeting with friends
4th Quadrant (13%)
Window Shopping
TV Shows
The first quadrant addresses all my necessities. The section entails important and urgent
activities that I encounter in my life. My classes are the most priority right now and I have to
timely whenever I am accorded assignments. Medical checkup is also so important since I have

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to visit the clinic frequently to check on my health. Without good health, I cannot perform the
other duties effectively. The second quadrant defines activities for my own fulfillment which
might be important but not urgent. Phone calls are always urgent but not always important; the
third section includes mostly destructions. The final quadrant entails activities that are of the
least priority and are not urgent, neither are they important. Going out for window shopping and
watching movies for pleasure are examples. Gauging by the numerical analysis, my priorities go
in line with the numbering of the quadrants.

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References
Chowney, P. (2013). The 7 Habits of Highly effective people - Habit 2: Begin with the end in
mind. Retrieved from https://www.gbnews.ch/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-
habit-2-begin-with-the-end-in-mind/
Covey, S. (2004). The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People [Ebook] (pp. 24-48). Retrieved
from http://www.stafforini.com/docs/Covey%20-%20The%207%20habits%20of
%20highly%20effective%20people.pdf