I think Covey’s ideas were purposely misused. W. Edwards Deming’s ideas were purposely misused.
It doesn’t mean that this particular idea is bad or wrong. The idea will stand or fall based on its efficacy.
Believe me, there are people who are scared to death about this idea and will do anything to crush it.
I used Covey’s “Seek first to understand, and then be understood.” ALL of his stuff wasn’t junk. It was this method of communication that can be tedious.
I was also a big fan of Demming. That guy made Japan the height tech/quality fanatics they are today.