“Mounds of snow did not keep students and local professionals from finding their way to E.J. Thomas Hall to hear author Dr. Stephen R. Covey speak on Tuesday. Covey, best known for his best-selling management book 7 Habits for Highly Effective People, held various seminars throughout the day.”
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Mounds of snow did not keep students and local professionals from finding their way to E.J. Thomas Hall to hear author Dr. Stephen R. Covey speak on Tuesday.

Covey, best known for his best-selling management book 7 Habits for Highly Effective People, held various seminars throughout the day. He focused on being an effective person in life, the idea of a trim-tab, finding one’s own voice and his book’s focus and creative forces.

Trim-tabbers are, as Covey described them, agents of change or a creative agent.

Changing the big starts with the small, Covey said.

The idea of a trim-tab comes from the construction of boats and aircrafts; the trim-tab is a small propeller that helps move the larger one.

Covey gave various examples of people he considered to be trim-tabbers. He showed a video that epitomized what he considered to be one-an elementary school principal at a struggling school whose single actions set the tone of change for the entire school.

What if a university could trim-tab an entire community? Covey asked.

While his books may help corporations and business types, Covey said its effectiveness is not limited to business.

My focus is more on families, communities and trying to make contributions to society, Covey said.

A person can become the creative force in their own life, Covey said.

He gave specific advice to students at the University of Akron.

For students trying to juggle school, work and a social life, Covey suggested writing a personal mission statement.

I really believe in the power of a personal mission statement, Covey said in a press conference.

He also gave the secret to getting any job.

Be the solution, not the problem, he told the audience.

He explained that a solution means doing your homework on the company and knowing what you can do to help, or simply put, be proactive. Demonstrate how your skill set will help the company.

Covey said that your personal skills are not the only characteristics that will lend aid to a business.

You should raise your children with the mindset of service, Covey said. We have a family mission statement.

Covey held three seminars on Tuesday: Insight on Leadership, Civic Leaders’ Luncheon and Community Engagement Session. UA President Dr. Luis Proenza, said the leaders in attendance at the luncheon were Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic, Kent State President Lester A. Lefton and officials from various companies in the area.

Proenza stated that Covey himself chose to come speak at the University of Akron.

He was aware that several universities were wanting to capitalize on positive change.

Proenza said that several people from the university attended the sessions, but the majority of people there were from the community.

VP for Finance and Administration, John Case, who was in attendance, said that Proenza invited faculty to attend the luncheon with him. He stated his desire to be there for the community-building event that afternoon.

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” #1.1361247:1299134518.jpg:20080228_stevecovey_cb.jpg:Author Steven Covey shakes hands with Dr. Luis Proenza.:Christopher Bair”