Overview

=Overview =

The Leader in Me book was written by Stephen R. Covey and published in 2008. This book/program evolved from all of the 7 Habits books that Mr. Covey has written with the first one being published in 1989. The program is described as a whole-school transformation model that acts like an operating system of a computer with results showing fewer discipline problems, higher engagement of staff and students, and higher academic achievement.

In 1999 Mr. Covey was presenting at a seminar in Washington, DC and was approached by an elementary school principal named Muriel Summers. Muriel asked Stephen if he thought the 7 Habits could be taught to children, young children as little as five and his comment was, “I don’t see why not” and added to let him know how it all turned out.

Muriel and her staff ran with the concept and schools worldwide have introduced the 7 Habits to their schools and are inspiring greatness in their students and schools.

The philosophy of this concept is to develop habits that are a positive influence in our lives. The 7 Habits theory defines a habit as an intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire. The habits and their definitions are listed below:

Habit 1 – Be Proactive

I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2 – Begin with the End in Mind

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my schools’ mission and vision, and look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3 – Put First Things First

I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

Habit 4 – Think Win-Win

I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

Habit 5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things for their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

Habit 6 – Synergize

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone. I am humble.

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I lean in lots of ways and lots of place, not just at school. I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">The philosophy is not taught as a curriculum separate from all other work. It is integrated into the curriculum, culture, and day to day lives of the students and staff of each school.

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">Along with using the 7 habits the Leader in Me program also uses the Baldridge tools which enhances participation in the group process, problem solving, and the analyzing and monitoring process. The tools that can be used are plus/delta charts, consensograms, force field analysis, affinity diagrams, surveys, flow charts, bone diagrams, graphs, and action plans. The most important tool that needs to be implemented is the students data notebooks.

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">The data notebooks empower the students to become accountable for their learning. The write goals based on subject objectives, which enable students to have control over their pace of learning. Students not only have short-term goals but long-term range goals. They receive feedback in a timely manner and can see how they are doing so they are not surprised and they can keep a handle on how they are progressing. The students also write personal mission statements.

<span style="font-family: 'Rockwell','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 115%;">Return to Home or go to Group Assessment