Habit 1 — Be Proactive You're in Charge: 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 Have a Plan: 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 school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 3 — Put First Things First Work First, Then Play: 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 Everyone Can 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 Listen Before You Talk: I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from 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 Together Is Better: 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 anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw Balance Feels Best: I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.
The Leader in Me
The Leader in Me provides a logical, sequential and balanced process to help schools proactively design the culture for their school. The Leader In Me is a whole school transformation process that teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students. The 21st century skills were formed when parents and business leaders were asked about skills they felt were most vital for students to learn. These skills (below) help students develop to their full potential and become leaders. The Leader in Me process recognizes that every child is capable of greatness and every child is a leader.
Leadership
Responsibility
Accountability
Problem Solving
Adaptability
Communication
Initiative and Self-Direction
Creativity
Cross-Cultural Skills
Teamwork
The 7 Habits content is a key part of the process. These habits are universal, timeless principles and are common to all people and cultures. When everyone at a school is using this common language, it makes a huge difference in the conversations. The habits are: Be Proactive, Begin with then End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood, Synergize and Sharpen the Saw. The Leader in Me is also aligned to academic standards. The process teaches students the skills needed for academic success such as critical thinking, goal setting, and the ability to work in groups.
"We only get one chance to prepare children for a world none of us can possibly predict, what are we going to do with that one chance?”
- Principal Muriel Summers / A.B. Combs Elementary
At Addison Elementary School, we want our school to be filled with students who are responsible, creative, goal-oriented, problem-solving leaders. We believe through The Leader in Me process, this will happen! We look forward to our journey as a The Leader in Me school!