Leading With Intention: What I Learned From Principle Centered Leadership Training
Last week, I spent two full days away from my usual workflow and deep in something powerful: a training called Principle Centered Leadership. Based on Stephen Covey’s timeless book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the course wasn’t just about becoming a better leader at work, it was about becoming a more intentional, impactful version of myself across every area of life.
And listen, when I tell you this training gave what it was supposed to give? It really did.
Whether you’re a leader in your workplace, your household, or your own life (and let’s be real, we all are), Covey’s principles are both grounding and transformational.
Let’s break them down.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Be Proactive – The Principle of Choice
This one instantly resonated with me. It’s all about taking responsibility for your own life, your actions, reactions, and mindset. Instead of reacting to life, you respond with intention. That hit me. Because life will do what it does, but how I choose to respond? That’s on me.
2. Begin with the End in Mind – The Principle of Vision
What does success look like for you? Personally, professionally, spiritually? This habit encourages you to live and lead with the bigger picture in mind. It’s about defining what truly matters, then letting that guide your day-to-day.
3. Put First Things First – The Principle of Integrity and Execution
Prioritization is queen. This habit teaches you to manage your time around what matters most, your values and long-term goals, not just what’s urgent.
4. Think Win-Win – The Principle of Abundance
Whew. This one got me. So often, we operate in survival mode, seeing everything as a competition. But Habit 4 challenges that scarcity mindset and instead says: “There’s enough success, joy, and opportunity for all of us.” It’s about collaboration over competition, and that’s the energy I’m bringing with me from here on out.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – The Principle of Respect
Communication is more than talking. It’s listening, really listening. With empathy, without judgment, and with the intent to connect.
6. Synergize – The Principle of Creative Cooperation
This habit is all about celebrating differences and recognizing that working together often leads to results we couldn’t achieve alone. It’s collaboration elevated.
7. Sharpen the Saw – The Principle of Renewal
You can’t pour from an empty cup. This habit reminds us to care for our body, mind, heart, and spirit. Because when we’re well-rested and recharged, we show up better in every role we play.
My Next Steps: Habits I’m Embracing First
While all the habits spoke to me, I’m starting with two that hit especially hard:
Habit 1: Be Proactive – I’m learning to pause before reacting, to focus on what’s within my control, and to move through life with intention, not just urgency.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win – I’m choosing to believe that there’s space for me and for others to shine. That my light doesn’t dim anyone else’s, it invites them to shine brighter too.
Final Thoughts
This training wasn’t just a check-the-box professional development course. It was a personal awakening. A reminder that leadership isn’t about title, it’s about how you show up, what you stand on, and who you choose to become.
So if you’re feeling stuck or looking to grow, start with these 7 habits. Start with you.
Because the most powerful kind of leadership?
It starts from the inside out.
