'I have implemented all of Stephen Covey's seven habits for highly effective people into my life': Ron Hodkinson

What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading The Winner Within by Pat Riley, in which he recounts his career as a National Basketball League coach in the 80s. The book studies the effects motivation, selfishness, complacency and winning have on teamwork. Riley explores how and why we must overcome the power of selfishness and explains that by doing this, you can develop your teamwork skills, and create an environment that promotes success. I am excited to finish reading this book and introduce many of the concepts he illustrates into my team at work.
A book that changed your life.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. The author believes that how we see the world is based entirely on our own perceptions. He says that to be able to change a given situation, we must be able to change ourselves first. He introduces readers to habits such as discipline, independence, teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. I have implemented all of Covey's habits into my life and use his definition of leadership in my role as school principal.
Name one underrated book, and why you'd recommend it.
One book I believe is underrated is How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. The ideas and techniques that Fabre and Mazlish use to explain how to listen emphatically can - and should - be applied to effectively communicate with everyone. It doesn't matter if you are communicating with your boss, your spouse, friends or children. Effective communication requires empathy.
Your favourite literary character.
Billy Beane, a gifted high school baseball player in Michael Lewis's Moneyball. Beane gets drafted out of high school into the big leagues where he needs to learn how to cope with pressure and adversity. Unfortunately, Billy never lives up to expectations and his time on the field ends almost as soon as it begins. He does go on to become general manager of a Major League Baseball team though. Beane has become one of my favourite literary characters, as there are so many lessons and parallels that can be drawn from his character.
Your favourite literary quote.
When I was in university, one of our required readings was Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. I think the following quote from the book holds true today too: "It's much better to do good in a way that no one knows anything about it." Today, so many do good deeds and post them on social media as a deliberate display of their accomplishments. I strongly believe good deeds must be done out of your own will without expecting anything in return.
- Staff reporter