Skip to content

Character Quote by Stephen Covey

“It is futile to put personality ahead of character, to try to improve relationships with others before improving ourselves.” quote by Stephen Covey
Download Open image
“It is futile to put personality ahead of character, to try to improve relationships with others before improving ourselves.”

Stephen Covey

About This Quote

Source Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 1989

Prioritizing character development over superficial personality traits leads to healthier relationships.

In simple terms: Improve character before personality.

Key Takeaway

Focus on integrity first.

Themes

self‑improvement relationships character integrity

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

self‑help philosophical

When to use this quote

  • teamwork
  • leadership
  • friendship
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

character building personal growth emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What character traits do you need to develop?
  • How can you model character in daily interactions?
A Different Perspective

Character change is slow; personality may still matter in first impressions.

2.6 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Stephen Covey

Explore all 663 Stephen Covey quotes

More Character quotes

Browse all 30,828 Character quotes