The world has lost a great leader.

I'm sure you've read the CNN report that Stephen Covey passed away Monday July 16 at the age of 79.

Steven's books and presentations paved the way for those of us in the business of improving other people's lives.

He spent a lifetime helping others, and I'm sure his maker will smile on him favorably when he gets to those pearly gates. 

He wrote books like

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
• First Things First
• Principle-Centered Leadership

In addition, his biography notes that in 1996 he was named as one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans. He speaks fondly of his family on his website where he notes that he was a father of nine, a grandfather of 52 and a great-grandfather of two.

He walked the talk as a business man and thought leader in putting family first and teaching excellence to all.

He leaves an important legacy for us all. Thanks Stephen, you've made a difference in the world.

His obituary can be found here. His impact will last forever.