Habits and the maturity continuum in Covey's effectiveness framework

¶ … due to the fact that the concepts explained are intangible in nature and therefore, they can be transferred and inserted in a variety of different situations. The explanation of habits appears to be accurate as well as insightful. Many times habits have negative connotations associated with them, during this reading however habits are described as positive building tools. By understanding the composition and make up of habits one can come to better control them and use them for positive growth in different areas or aspects of life. As described by the author, a habit is "the intersection of knowledge, skill and desire" (Covey 47). The author explains that in order for habits to be effective and positive all three of the above mentioned components are required. First one must understand the role of knowledge in the equation. Knowledge is described as knowing "what to do" and why. Skill is described the "how to do," and desire is described as someone's "willingness to do something." An example of building positive habits is described when the author touches upon the subject of listening to others. This proves to be a good example because listening in virtually any work environment is key to building and maintaining effective relations and interactions. In order to build positive and effective habits a person must work on all three of the elements that compose habits. That is to say that, first a person must know that improvement is needed in a certain area. Next a person must know how to go about improving what he has identified through knowledge and now how, and lastly a person must have the desire and willingness to improve in the identified area. According to the author most people come to identify with happiness only by receiving goods and benefits. Apparently the author disagrees with the notion that people achieve happiness through adopting this attitude.

The author instead advocates effectiveness through a paradigm that involves interdependence and the balance of production and production control. The Maturity Continuum fosters interdependence over dependence and independence due to the relationship they share. Dependence is the least desirable of the three, but at the same time it is an unavoidable stage in life. Many times person is dependent on others in order to survive, a child for example is dependent on his parents. After being dependent for a certain period, a person can achieve the more desirable state of independence. Independence is a highly desirable and very celebrated stage for many in life. It is not necessarily the most effective or productive state to be in, although it has its benefits it may not serve the intended or desired purpose of a company or group of associates . Interdependence by nature is the most effective and productive state because correlates the skills and strengths of different people in order to achieve a greater good. In one way or another, generally speaking all elements in life and nature are interdependent. They are interconnect and reliant upon each other to function in an effective and meaningful way.