Habits 1 through 3 are really interpersonal habits that one must work on within themselves to truly be fulfilled and effective. Habits 3 through 6 are outward habits are then what it takes to become effectively interdependent with others.
Habit 6, synergize, depends highly upon and works in complete conjunction with habits 4 and 5. To properly synergize, one must “Think Win Win” and “Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood”. Synergize is the art of coming up with a common solution that is not a compromise, but a solution that is better than the sum of it’s parts.
Habit 7 is then “Sharpening the Saw”. There are 4 dimensions to one’s being. 1.) Mental 2.) Physical 3.) Social and 4.) Spiritual… All are different but vitally important. Sharpening the saw is basically working on and “exercising” each of these dimensions on a regular basis in order to stay “sharp”. Dr. Covey does a great job of emphasizing the importance of “Sharpening the Saw”.