This summer, our Building Better Leaders program has gained real traction—and it is easy to see why. At CBK Advising, we do not just talk about leadership development, we deliver it through a powerful combination of science and structure.

We start by understanding the whole person through data-backed assessments that go beyond surface-level insights:

• Behaviors show us how someone communicates and performs on the job
• Driving Forces/Motivators reveal what energizes them and whether they are aligned with how your organization recognizes success
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) measures their ability to manage emotions and build effective, empathetic relationships.

These insights highlight a leader’s strengths and what areas need improving. But knowing who you are is just the beginning.

Turning Insight into Action with the 7 Habits Framework

Inspired by Stephen R. Covey’s groundbreaking book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, we have built a leadership development program that turns self-awareness into meaningful action. Covey’s timeless habits—rooted in principles such as responsibility, empathy, and intentionality—guide leaders to make values-based decisions, foster trust, and lead with clarity and purpose.

Here is how we bring the habits to life in our programs:

1. Be Proactive
   Leaders own their mindset and responses. Shifting from reactive to proactive sets the tone for all other leadership behaviors.
2. Begin with the End in Mind
   Vision matters. Through guided exercises, leaders clarify what success looks like—for themselves and their teams—and make daily choices aligned with long-term impact.
3. Put First Things First
   Strategy beats busyness. Using tools like the Time Management Matrix, participants learn to prioritize what matters most, rather than reacting to what is most urgent.
4. Think Win-Win
   Strong leaders create space for mutual success. We coach participants to shift from a scarcity mindset to one that values trust, collaboration, and shared wins.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
   Communication is a leadership cornerstone. Practicing empathic listening, empathy, and thoughtful dialogue leads to better relationships and stronger influence.
6. Synergize
   Diversity of thought fuels innovation. Leaders discover how to celebrate differences, draw out strengths, and find creative third-alternative solutions.
7. Sharpen the Saw
   Sustainable leadership requires intentional renewal—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This habit reinforces the importance of caring for yourself so that you can lead others more effectively.

Why It Works

The 7 Habits Workbook is not just another training tool. It is a guided experience that prompts deep reflection, practical planning, and habit-building. When paired with our behavioral, motivational, and EQ insights, it becomes a transformative process—not just for individuals, but for teams and entire organizations.

This approach helps leaders:

• Communicate with clarity and confidence!
• Prioritize effectively and delegate wisely.
• Navigate conflict with empathy and courage.
• Align team efforts with organizational goals.
• Invest in their development while empowering others

Are You Developing the Right Leaders?

Whether you are onboarding a new manager, preparing high-potential talent for greater responsibility, or strengthening your executive team, leadership effectiveness cannot be left to chance.

At CBK Advising, we help organizations develop leaders who do not just react, they lead with intention, empathy, and impact.

Consider how we can support your leadership goals this year, by leveraging the sciences to understand people, and providing structure to help them grow.

Because effectiveness is not just a trait, it is a habit.

Are you leading a sales team?

We have designed a tailored version of our 7 Habits program specifically for sales professionals and sales leaders—focused on performance, connection, and long-term impact.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Sales Leaders — In Action