The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People Author Stephen Covey Passes At 79

Stephen Covey, author of the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, passed away on July 16. He was 79.

While the author of a number of best-selling books, including First Things First and Principle-Centered Leadership, Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is cited as one of the most influential management books ever written. It has sold more than 20 million copies in 40 languages.

Covey founded the Covey Leadership Center, now FranklinCovey Co., which operates in 147 countries and offers consulting and training in “strategy execution, customer loyalty, leadership and individual effectiveness.” More recently, in 2010 he became a professor at Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.

Bob Whitman, chairman and CEO of FranklinCovey, says, “We lost a dear friend today. Stephen was one of the world’s great human beings. His impact is incalculable, and his influence will continue to inspire generations to come. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Covey’s family, his wife, Sandra, their nine children and spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Stephen frequently referred to them as his greatest joy, inspiration and most significant contribution and legacy to the world.”