Dr. Stephen R. Covey - The 8th Habit

From left to right: Jakoeb Oetama, President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Dr. Stephen R. Covey

Last Wednesday I fulfilled one of my lifetime goals. It is to attend a seminar by Dr. Stephen R. Covey's seminar. The title of the seminar was "Achieving Greatness in a Turbulent World".

Not only I could listen to Dr. Stephen R Covey in person, I also listened to a speech by the President, Mr. Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono himself. The President encouraged every one of us to cultivate a 'Culture of Excellence' in every fabric of our lives. He also said that although he preferred the world 'greatness' to 'turbulent', the two often went hand in hand. It is absolutely true in his case. Since he becomes a president, Indonesia has gone through turbulent times - tsunami, earthquake, rising oil prices, economic crisis, and many more. I hope the president can rise to the challenge of turbulent world and Indonesia can achieve greatness under his leadership.

Dr. Covey inspired us to develop the 8th Habit: "Find Your Voice; Inspire Others to Find Theirs". Voice has to do with:

• Talent (Mind) - What are you good at?
• Need (Body) - What need does it serve?
• Passion (Heart) - What do you love doing?
• Conscience (Spirit) - What is life asking of me? What should I contribute in this situation? (sense of calling)

He also motivated us to be A Trim Tab - a catalyst for change. By definition a trim tab is the small rudder that turns the big rudder that turns the ship. Everyone can be a trim tab. It is about deciding to be a trim tab and start to make a difference. He showed us a video about one high school principal who has made a big difference in her school by doing one small act, cleaning the school toilet, scrubbing the floor by herself. After that, everybody started to get involved and the school got better and better.

Lessons:
1. Choose to be a trim tab
2. Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs
3. Develop a culture of excellence

Learn and Grow!
Inge Santoso