The theory

Covey’s philosophy for success (see Chapter 1) is focused on developing seven ‘habits’, of which three relate to how we deal with others. Since we act upon, and are acted on, by the world around us, it is essential to identify the limits of our influence. In this context there is a Circle of Concern that comprises events and actions that we have no real influence over, but which still affect us, and a Circle of Influence that comprises events and actions that we have some control over (Covey et al., 1994). The art is to focus our efforts on the latter (note that proactive people ensure that the circle of concern is encompassed by the circle of influence).

Covey’s main audience is managers and industrialists – can scientists, and in particular academics, benefit in any way from his philosophy? One of the main aims of science is the production of knowledge (Ziman, 2000) and on this premise many similarities can be found. For example, scientists are promoted on the basis of the quality and number of papers published (output), the total amount of grant funding awarded (resources necessary for production) and on their national and international reputation (brand name). More importantly, the success of Covey’s philosophy is in large part due to a combination of ethical principles, self-development and action in the real world. In his approach ‘fundamental principles’ such as fairness, integrity and honesty form the cornerstone of behaviour (Covey, 2004). It may be no coincidence that each of these principles is central to the scientific process.