The cover of the most recent edition of this now-classic book by Stephen Covey purports to have sold over 15 million copies since its first publication in 1989; this gemstone is certainly no insider secret. However, it is surprising how many leaders still have not read it.

With lessons like those on Empathetic Communication and Interpersonal Leadership and tools such as The Time Management Matrix, it is one that we find ourselves recommending to leaders in all phases of their careers time and again. This is the book that spawned an empire.

There are now “7 Habit” books for Highly Effective Teens, Highly Effective Families, Happy Kids, and Highly Effective Marriage. And don’t forget the 8th Habit or First Things First as well as many others. This the book that started it all, making it the foundation for all other versions.

One of the original versions of this book (still on our shelves) was subtitled “Restoring the Character Ethic.” Indeed, the previous subtitle and the current one are both appropriate, as this book is about You; that is, who you are, what you bring to the world and how you relate with it. Nothing is more relevant for leaders today. This is a classic and the first book a leader, or anyone else wanting a positive relationship with the world around him or her, should read.