Live Life in Crescendo

Live Life in Crescendo Plot Summary

Introduction

In the summer of 1989, a relatively unknown educator published a book that would transform the landscape of personal development and leadership literature worldwide. Stephen Covey, with his distinct blend of academic rigor and practical wisdom, introduced concepts that resonated across cultures and generations. His journey from a bicycle accident-prone child in Salt Lake City to becoming one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans represents a remarkable testament to the power of principle-centered living. What made Covey extraordinary wasn't merely his intellectual contributions but his unwavering commitment to living what he taught. Throughout his life, Covey maintained that true success comes not from position or wealth but from aligning one's actions with universal principles. From his early days teaching at Brigham Young University to consulting with world leaders and Fortune 500 executives, Covey maintained that effectiveness in any sphere stems from character development, not merely acquiring new skills. His philosophy of "living life in crescendo" - the belief that one's most important work always lies ahead - guided him to continue innovating, teaching, and serving long after most would have retired to enjoy the fruits of earlier success.

Chapter 1: Early Life and Formative Influences

Stephen Richards Covey was born on October 24, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a close-knit family that valued education, faith, and service. His early childhood took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with slipped capital femoral epiphysis, a degenerative disease affecting his thighbone. This condition forced the active young boy to exchange sports and physical activities for three years of recovery on crutches. What might have crushed another child's spirit instead became Covey's first significant lesson in adapting and finding alternative paths to contribution. During this period of physical limitation, Covey developed what would become lifelong habits of reading, reflection, and intellectual curiosity. He later credited this enforced pause as instrumental in developing his observational skills and introspective tendencies. Rather than playing basketball or football like his peers, young Stephen found himself studying human behavior and analyzing the principles that seemed to govern successful relationships and outcomes. Covey's parents played a pivotal role in shaping his character and worldview. His father, Stephen Glenn Covey, was a successful businessman who demonstrated integrity in his dealings, while his mother, Irene Covey, emphasized the importance of service to others. From them, he absorbed the crucial understanding that principles, not techniques or quick fixes, form the foundation of meaningful achievements and relationships. This parental influence seeded what would later bloom into his principle-centered philosophy. After graduating from high school, Covey served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England, an experience that deepened his faith and expanded his cultural horizons. Working with people from diverse backgrounds during this formative period helped him recognize the universal nature of certain principles that transcended cultural differences - an insight that would later inform his global approach to leadership and personal development. Upon returning to the United States, Covey earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah before attending Harvard Business School, where he received his MBA in 1957. His time at Harvard exposed him to different management philosophies and organizational theories, yet he found himself increasingly drawn to the human dimensions of leadership rather than purely technical or financial aspects. This holistic perspective would later distinguish his work from conventional management literature. The combination of his spiritual foundation, academic training, and early life experiences with physical limitation created in Covey a unique capacity to recognize patterns in human behavior and distill complex ideas into accessible principles. These formative influences laid the groundwork for what would eventually become his distinctive contribution to leadership theory and personal development philosophy.

Chapter 2: Finding Purpose in Education and Teaching

After completing his Harvard MBA, Covey made a choice that surprised many of his classmates - rather than pursuing lucrative corporate opportunities, he returned to his alma mater, Brigham Young University, to teach business and organizational behavior. This decision reflected his emerging conviction that his life's mission extended beyond personal advancement to developing human potential in others. When his brother once asked what he planned to do with his life, Covey replied simply: "I want to unleash human potential." In the classroom, Covey began developing his distinctive teaching approach. Unlike many business professors who focused solely on case studies and theoretical models, he integrated insights from literature, philosophy, religion, and social sciences. Students noted his unusual ability to connect abstract principles to everyday challenges. He would often arrive at class with stacks of books from diverse fields, demonstrating his belief that wisdom could be found across disciplines rather than in isolated specialties. During this period, Covey also embarked on a parallel career as a consultant to businesses and organizations, allowing him to test his ideas in real-world settings. These consulting experiences proved invaluable, as they forced him to translate academic concepts into practical applications that delivered measurable results. He discovered that organizations, like individuals, thrived when they aligned their practices with enduring principles rather than chasing management fads or quick-fix solutions. By the late 1970s, Covey had established himself as an innovative educator and sought-after consultant, but he felt increasingly drawn to reach a broader audience. He began conducting leadership seminars that attracted participants from across industries and sectors. Attendees were struck by his unique synthesis of timeless wisdom and practical application. Unlike many motivational speakers who relied on emotional intensity, Covey offered a substantive framework for understanding and transforming both personal and organizational effectiveness. This period also marked significant development in Covey's thinking about the relationship between character and competence. While much of the business literature emphasized skills and techniques, Covey insisted that lasting effectiveness required the integration of personal character and professional capability. This insight would become central to his later work, particularly his emphasis on the "inside-out" approach to change - the principle that meaningful external results must be preceded by internal transformation. As his reputation grew, so did Covey's vision for making a broader impact. While he found teaching rewarding, he became increasingly convinced that his ideas could benefit people far beyond university walls. This realization eventually led him to take the considerable risk of leaving academia in his fifties to establish his own consulting and training company - a bold move that would ultimately enable him to share his principles with millions worldwide.

Chapter 3: The 7 Habits Revolution

The publication of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" in 1989 catapulted Stephen Covey from respected educator to global thought leader virtually overnight. The book represented a decade of research, teaching, and refinement of ideas that Covey had been developing throughout his career. Initially, publishers were skeptical about the market for a book that challenged the prevailing "personality ethic" with what Covey called the "character ethic." However, readers responded enthusiastically to his message that sustainable success requires alignment with universal principles. What distinguished Covey's approach from other self-improvement literature was his emphasis on fundamental character development rather than superficial techniques. The 7 Habits - be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw - provided a comprehensive framework for personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Unlike many contemporary success formulas that promised quick results, Covey advocated a developmental path that required sustained effort and genuine transformation. The book's success surprised even Covey himself. It remained on The New York Times bestseller list for over five years and has sold more than 40 million copies in 40 languages. Business leaders, educators, government officials, and individuals from all walks of life embraced its principles and vocabulary. Terms like "paradigm shift," "emotional bank account," and "abundance mentality" entered the mainstream lexicon. The book's influence extended far beyond the business world, finding application in education, healthcare, government, and family life. Recognizing the opportunity to translate his principles into organizational settings, Covey founded the Covey Leadership Center in 1984, which later merged with Franklin Quest to form FranklinCovey. This enterprise allowed him to develop training programs, assessment tools, and implementation methodologies that helped organizations apply the 7 Habits framework systematically. Major corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations worldwide adopted these programs, creating a vehicle for institutional transformation based on principle-centered leadership. As Covey's influence grew, so did invitations to work with leaders at the highest levels. He consulted with presidents and prime ministers, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and leaders of major nonprofit organizations. Yet colleagues noted that Covey maintained the same respectful, principle-centered approach whether addressing a head of state or a frontline employee. His genuine interest in people transcended status or position, exemplifying his belief that every person possesses inherent worth and potential. Throughout this period of extraordinary professional success, Covey continued to evolve his thinking. The 7 Habits became the foundation for subsequent works that explored specific applications of his principles to leadership, family life, and organizational effectiveness. Each new book expanded the framework while remaining faithful to the core philosophy that had resonated so powerfully with readers worldwide - that enduring success comes from aligning one's life with universal, timeless principles.

Chapter 4: Family and Personal Philosophy

Despite his international acclaim and demanding schedule, Stephen Covey maintained that his most important role was that of husband and father. He and his wife Sandra were married for over 55 years and raised nine children together. Covey often said, "No success can compensate for failure in the home," a philosophy he lived by prioritizing family relationships amidst his professional commitments. When traveling for speaking engagements, he would frequently adjust his schedule to minimize time away from home, sometimes taking red-eye flights to be present for family breakfasts. Covey practiced at home what he taught professionally, applying the principles of effective living to family dynamics. The Covey household operated with clearly articulated values and a family mission statement developed collaboratively. Regular family councils provided a forum where even the youngest children could voice their thoughts and participate in decision-making. These practices embodied Covey's belief that families, like organizations, function best when guided by shared vision and mutual respect rather than arbitrary authority. Education was deeply valued in the Covey home, but not merely academic achievement. Covey advocated for developing what he called "the whole person" - intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions. He encouraged his children to read widely, engage in physical activities, develop meaningful relationships, and nurture their spiritual lives. This holistic approach to personal development reflected his conviction that true effectiveness requires balance across all essential life roles. Covey's religious faith played a central role in shaping his personal philosophy. As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he found in his religious tradition many of the principles that informed his professional work. However, he consistently presented these principles in universal terms that resonated across cultural and religious boundaries. This ability to translate deeply held personal beliefs into widely applicable principles contributed significantly to the global reach of his message. Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Covey's personal philosophy was his commitment to living with integrity - aligning actions with professed values. Colleagues and family members alike noted that Covey genuinely strived to embody the principles he taught. When he made mistakes, he would acknowledge them openly and work to make amends, modeling the humility and continuous improvement he advocated. This authenticity lent credibility to his teachings and distinguished him from figures whose public and private lives reflected different standards. Throughout his life, Covey maintained that happiness comes not from pursuing it directly but as a byproduct of living a principled life dedicated to worthy purposes beyond oneself. He often quoted Viktor Frankl's observation that "happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue." This perspective guided Covey's approach to both personal fulfillment and professional success, reinforcing his conviction that contribution to others ultimately brings greater satisfaction than achievements pursued for their own sake.

Chapter 5: Overcoming Setbacks Through Resilience

Despite his remarkable success, Stephen Covey's life was not without significant challenges and setbacks. His response to these difficulties exemplified the principles he taught and revealed the depth of his resilience. Perhaps the most public setback came when his company, Covey Leadership Center, faced financial difficulties in the mid-1990s despite the ongoing success of his books. Rather than abandoning his vision, Covey orchestrated a merger with Franklin Quest, creating FranklinCovey - a strategic move that ultimately expanded the reach of his work while requiring him to adapt to a new organizational structure. Covey's physical challenges began in childhood with his three-year confinement on crutches, but they continued throughout his adult life. In 1996, while biking downhill without a helmet, he suffered a serious accident that resulted in traumatic brain injury. The crash left him with cognitive impairments that required months of rehabilitation. During this difficult period, Covey applied his own principles of proactivity, choosing his response to circumstances beyond his control. Instead of becoming bitter or retreating from public life, he used the experience as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of resilience and recovery. Perhaps less visible but equally challenging were the inevitable criticisms and misrepresentations of his work that accompanied his growing prominence. Some academic colleagues dismissed his ideas as simplistic, while others in the business world characterized his emphasis on principles as impractical idealism. Covey responded not with defensiveness but with curiosity, often engaging critics in dialogue and incorporating valid insights into his evolving framework. This openness to feedback demonstrated his commitment to continuous learning even when it meant acknowledging limitations in his own thinking. Family life, while central to Covey's identity and teachings, also presented challenges. With nine children and eventually dozens of grandchildren, the Covey family experienced the full range of joys and sorrows common to large families. Covey was transparent about the fact that applying his principles at home was often more difficult than in professional settings. When family conflicts arose, he would acknowledge his own mistakes and work to repair relationships, modeling the humility and accountability he taught. In his later years, Covey faced health challenges that might have prompted many to retire from public life. However, consistent with his philosophy of "living life in crescendo," he continued writing, teaching, and consulting well into his seventies. Even as his physical energy diminished, his commitment to sharing principles that could transform lives remained undiminished. This persistence reflected his belief that one's most important work always lies ahead, regardless of age or circumstance. What distinguished Covey's approach to setbacks was his refusal to view them as defining moments or insurmountable obstacles. Instead, he consistently applied his principle of proactivity - focusing not on the circumstances themselves but on his freedom to choose his response to them. This perspective enabled him to transform potential defeats into opportunities for growth, deepening his understanding of the very principles he taught to others.

Chapter 6: Living in Crescendo: The Final Chapter

In the final decade of his life, Stephen Covey embodied his philosophy of "living in crescendo" - the belief that one's most important contributions always lie ahead. Rather than resting on his considerable achievements, Covey continued to develop new ideas and reach new audiences. In 2004, he published "The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness," which expanded his original framework to address the challenges of the 21st century. This work reflected his conviction that principles remain constant while their application must evolve to address changing realities. Covey's focus increasingly turned toward developing leadership in others, particularly the next generation. He devoted significant energy to educational initiatives, believing that integrating principle-centered leadership into schools could transform not only individual students but eventually society itself. The "Leader in Me" program, which adapted the 7 Habits for K-12 education, spread to thousands of schools worldwide. When visiting these schools, Covey displayed genuine delight in seeing young children apply principles like "begin with the end in mind" and "seek first to understand" to their daily challenges. During this period, Covey also expanded his global reach, traveling extensively to countries where his work was just beginning to take root. Colleagues noted his particular interest in emerging economies and developing nations, where he believed principle-centered leadership could contribute significantly to sustainable development. Despite the physical demands of international travel in his seventies, Covey maintained an ambitious schedule that reflected his commitment to global impact. Technology provided new channels for sharing his message, and Covey embraced these opportunities enthusiastically. He developed online courses, participated in webinars, and engaged with social media platforms to connect with audiences worldwide. While some of his contemporaries viewed digital transformation with suspicion, Covey recognized its potential to democratize access to ideas that had previously been available primarily through books or in-person seminars. As he approached his eighth decade, Covey began articulating more explicitly his thoughts about legacy and the later stages of life. He rejected conventional notions of retirement, maintaining that chronological age should not determine one's capacity for contribution. Instead, he advocated for what he called "a new life balance" in which wisdom accumulated through experience could be applied to ever more significant endeavors. This perspective informed his ongoing work even as physical challenges increased. In April 2012, Covey suffered a serious bicycle accident that led to complications from which he never fully recovered. He passed away on July 16, 2012, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. Even in his final months, he continued working on projects and ideas that he believed could benefit others, exemplifying to the end his conviction that life should be lived in crescendo rather than diminuendo. His last book, completed posthumously with his daughter, appropriately explored this theme - that regardless of age or circumstance, one's most important work always lies ahead.

Chapter 7: Legacy Beyond Life

The true measure of Stephen Covey's impact extends far beyond book sales or organizational influence to the countless individuals whose lives were transformed by his principles. In boardrooms and classrooms, government offices and family living rooms, people continue to apply the frameworks he developed to address their most significant challenges. The language and concepts he introduced - from "win-win thinking" to "sharpen the saw" - have become so thoroughly integrated into leadership discourse that many who use them may be unaware of their source. Educational institutions worldwide have embraced Covey's principles through the "Leader in Me" program, which adapts the 7 Habits for students from kindergarten through high school. Schools implementing this approach report significant improvements in academic achievement, attendance, disciplinary issues, and school culture. Perhaps more importantly, they describe students developing agency and purpose - the capacity to take initiative and responsibility for their own growth. This educational application of Covey's work may ultimately prove his most enduring legacy as it shapes generations of future leaders. The FranklinCovey organization continues to evolve and expand, translating Covey's principles into specific applications for contemporary challenges. With offices in over 150 countries and programming available in 47 languages, the company serves as a vehicle for preserving and extending Covey's intellectual contributions. Through consulting relationships with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofit agencies and government entities, FranklinCovey ensures that principle-centered leadership continues to influence organizational cultures globally. Covey's influence extends to realms he might not have anticipated. His emphasis on integrity, purpose, and contribution has informed social entrepreneurship movements and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Organizations focused on sustainable development and systemic change often draw from his frameworks to align mission with methods. This application of his principles to social impact reflects the versatility and universal relevance of his core ideas. Perhaps Covey's most significant legacy lies in how his work bridged traditional divides between personal and professional development. By insisting that the same principles govern effectiveness in all life domains, he helped countless individuals integrate their values and actions across roles. This holistic approach challenged the compartmentalization that often characterizes modern life, offering instead a vision of integrated growth and contribution that resonates across cultural and generational boundaries. In the years since his passing, Covey's family has continued his work through various initiatives that extend his principles to new audiences. His children, several of whom have become authors and teachers in their own right, carry forward not only his intellectual legacy but also his personal example of principle-centered living. Through their efforts, Covey's vision of empowering individuals to discover their unique contributions continues to influence new generations seeking meaning and effectiveness in an increasingly complex world.

Summary

Stephen Covey's enduring legacy rests on a profound yet accessible insight: that aligning one's life with universal principles creates both personal effectiveness and meaningful contribution. Throughout his journey from struggling child on crutches to globally recognized thought leader, Covey maintained that character precedes competence and that sustainable success flows from inside-out transformation rather than outside-in techniques. His integration of timeless wisdom with practical application created a framework that transcends cultural, professional, and generational boundaries. The principles Covey articulated offer valuable guidance for navigating contemporary challenges. His emphasis on proactivity reminds us that while we cannot control all circumstances, we retain the freedom to choose our response. His insistence on beginning with the end in mind encourages thoughtful consideration of ultimate purposes rather than mere efficiency in means. Perhaps most relevantly, his concept of "living in crescendo" - that our most important work always lies ahead - offers a compelling alternative to cultural narratives that associate aging with decline rather than continuing contribution. For anyone seeking to live with greater purpose and effectiveness, Covey's life and work provide not a formula but a compass pointing toward principles that, when authentically applied, enable both personal fulfillment and significant impact.

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Stephen R. Covey

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