Primary Greatness: The 12 Levers of Success

The media could not be loaded. “According to Dr. Stephen R. Covey, primary greatness is the kind of success that comes from contribution. By contrast, the trappings of success—position, popularity, public image—are secondary greatness. When you see the actions and behaviors of celebrities, famous athletes, CEOs, movie actors, or whatever, you’re seeing secondary greatness.Primary greatness is on the inside. It’s about character. Secondary greatness is on the outside. As Dr. Covey taught, ‘Many people with secondary greatness—that is, social recognition for their talents—lack primary greatness or goodness in their character. Sooner or later, you’ll see this in every long-term relationship they have, whether it is with a business associate, a spouse, a friend, or a teenage child going through an identity crisis. It is character that communicates most eloquently. As Emerson once put it, ‘What you are shouts so loudly in my ears that I cannot hear what you say.’”~ Stephen R. Covey’s colleagues from the Preface to Primary GreatnessStephen Covey is one of my favorite teachers.In fact, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was *literally* the first book I ever read that introduced me to the idea that we could actually improve our lives and make a difference in the world.On the first pages of my book, I share this quote from 7 Habits as it so powerfully captures the essence of my work:“I believe that a life of integrity is the most fundamental source of personal worth. I do not agree with the popular success literature that says that self-esteem is primarily a matter of mind set, of attitude—that you can psych yourself into peace of mind. Peace of mind comes when your life is in harmony with true principles and values and in no other way.”(Which came right after this Nietzsche quote, btw: “This is my way; where is yours?— Thus I answered those who asked me ‘the way.’ For the way—that does not exist.” :)Stephen Covey passed away in 2012. This book was published posthumously and features a collection of wisdom focusing on the fact that private victory precedes public victory.Primary greatness. It’s all about what’s on the INSIDE.I'm excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas:1. The 12 Levers of Success - Here they are.2. Esse Quam Videri - "To be rather than to seem."3. Virtues: Meet Your Parents - Humility + Courage.4. Say "YES!!" - If you want to be able to say "No."5. High-Tech Power Saw - = Next purchase.That’s how we want to live—with primary greatness ever in mind.More goodness— including PhilosophersNotes on 300+ books in our ​*OPTIMIZE*​ membership program. Find out more at brianjohnson . me.

This book gives a life changing perspective on what is truly worth admiring and pursuing in life. A must read.

If you appreciate Covey, you will not be disappointed in the book. The recording, however, lacks the emphasis and inflection you have come to love of the author's own recordings. The content is thoughtful and well organized. I wish Dr. Covey could be here to record it.

I have always been impressed by Steven R. Covey. To publish this years after his death - wow! Consistent with his other work it helps us focus on what matters, what is primary. While not his original thought, all great thinkers and philosophies come back to this single thing. By connecting and becoming living examples of correct principles we become ambassadors for the things that are important, that protect ours and following generations. The consequences of not doing this are cataclysmic, just look around.

Clear, concise and very helpful in helping a person understand and achieve REAL greatness in life.

Covey is an inspiration to my personal, professional and family life. This book sheds light on levers that propel us to be a better person; in our private, professional and inner self. I enjoyed this book and learned much.

This book isn't a book about the latest trend in leadership theory. It is an enduring, detailed roadmap about how to live a good life filled with happiness and satisfaction.

I'm only 4 chapters in and have highlighted so many amazing nuggets. For me, this book speaks to living an authentic life and rising in to who we are here to be.

'All true Leadership is based on moral authority, not formal authoity.' Stephen R. Covey

A book which needs to be read by people trying to evolve beyond business leader,Real North continues to be true north, irrespective of the situation of application

Great books. Recommended to read.

Good book.

Written by Dr Covey's son. All collected works of Stephen Covey is presented in precise format. The book tells about 12 fundamental principles of life, such as Integrity, Loyalty, Service, Sacrifice...Value for money. Success and Peace of mind in life is guaranteed...As I told, the content is not actually written by Dr Stephen Covey, but his thoughts are presented in the book.