// Book comparison

7 Habits of Highly Effective People vs Managing by Values

Which should you read? A side-by-side comparison of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and Managing by Values by Ken Blanchard.

At a glance

7 Habits of Highly Effective People Managing by Values
Rating ★ 4.5/5
Pages 160
Reading time ~4.0 h
Published 1997
Author Stephen Covey Ken Blanchard
Category Strategy & Management Strategy & Management
Publisher Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Choose 7 Habits of Highly Effective People if…

  • You're interested in strategy & management.

Choose Managing by Values if…

  • You're interested in strategy & management.
  • You want the higher-rated book (4.5/5).
  • You prefer a shorter read (~4.0 hours).
  • You want the more recent perspective (1997).

Key takeaways — 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

  • Embrace proactivity by taking responsibility for your actions and choices.
  • Define your personal mission to align your daily activities with your core values.
  • Cultivate interdependence by fostering collaborative relationships that enhance mutual success.
Read full 7 Habits of Highly Effective People summary →

Key takeaways — Managing by Values

  • Implement the Three-Phase MBV Process—Clarify, Communicate, and Align—to transform your corporate culture into a powerful engine for ethical and financial growth.
  • Utilize your organization's Core Values as the primary filters for strategic decision-making, ensuring that every tactical move reinforces your long-term institutional identity.
  • Redesign your Recruitment and Performance Systems to prioritize cultural fit and value-aligned behavior, fostering an environment of mutual trust and collective accountability.
Read full Managing by Values summary →

The verdict

If you want the higher-rated, shorter read, start with Managing by Values. If you want a different angle on the same topic, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is the better fit. Both summaries are free — no signup required.

❓ FAQ

Is 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Managing by Values better? +

Managing by Values has the higher reader rating (4.5/5 vs null/5), but "better" depends on your goal. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People focuses on strategy & management, while Managing by Values focuses on strategy & management. See the verdict below.

Which is shorter, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Managing by Values? +

Managing by Values is shorter (160 pages, ~4.0 hours) compared to 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (undefined pages, ~null hours).

Should I read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Managing by Values first? +

If you want the quicker, higher-rated read, start with Managing by Values. Otherwise read whichever matches your current goal — both summaries are free on BookAudio.