Setting Sail
with the
Seven
Habits
W.R. McNeill Elementary
Student Leadership Team
About The Leader In Me
The Leader In Me process helps
develop the essential life skills and
characteristics students need in
order to thrive in the 21st Century.
About The Leader In Me
The Leader in Me is integrated into a
school’s core curriculum and everyday
language so that it isn’t “one more thing”
teachers and students have to do.
It becomes part of the culture, gaining
momentum and producing improved results
year after year, benefitting schools and
students in numerous ways.
Develops students who have the skills and
self-confidence to succeed as leaders in the
21st century.
Decreases discipline referrals.
Teaches and develops character and
leadership through existing core curriculum.
Improves academic achievement.
Raises levels of accountability and
engagement among both parents
and staff.
www.theleaderinme.org
What Are the 7 Habits?
Based on the work of Stephen and Sean
Covey
We only get one chance to prepare our students for a
future that none of us can possibly predict.
What are we going to do with that one chance?
~Stephen Covey
Why a Leadership Focus?
Finding the Treasure
The Leader In Me believes that every child possesses
leadership skills.
It believes that every child will serve as a leader in
some way, either in their careers or with family and
friends.
It believes that character education is essential.
It believes that students must be taught how to
collaborate with others.
It believes that leadership
training will have a positive
impact on student achievement.
The Habits:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
I have a
“Can Do” attitude.
I choose my actions,
attitudes and moods.
I don’t blame others.
I do the right thing
without being asked,
even if nobody is
looking.
PROACTIVE
P – Play Hard
R – Respect
O – Offer to help
A – Accept responsibility
C – Clean up
T – Take action
I – Inviting
V – Visit a sick friend
E – Envision a goal and
meet it
REACTIVE
R – Resting instead of
working
E – Expect someone to bail
you out
A – Avoid challenges
C – Cut others down
T – Talk … Talk … Talk
I – Insist you are right
V – Vent about problems
you don’t intend to solve
E – Excuses … Excuses …
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.
I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Classroom Vision/Mission
Statement
Classroom Vision
Statement
My classroom will
foster an environment
where student learning
is at an optimal level.
Classroom Mission
Statement
Equip students with
academic knowledge,
skills and behaviors; and
teach them how to use
that knowledge to
increase and maximize
their own learning.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
I spend my time on
things that are most
important.
This means
I say no to things
I should not do.
I set priorities, make
a schedule, and
follow my plan.
I am organized.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
I want everyone
to be a success.
I don’t have to put
others down to get
what I want. It makes
me happy to see other
people happy. I like to
do nice things for
others. When a
conflict arrives, I help
brainstorm a solution.
We all can win!
Emotional Bank Account
All relationships have a kind of imaginary
“emotional bank account.”
When you do something to make another person
feel good, you make a deposit.
When there is conflict, the relationship feels less
positive. At least one person feels less connected.
This would be a withdrawal from the emotional
bank account.
As long as the overall total, or “balance”, of your
account is positive over time, you will feel close,
or connected, to the other person.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand,
Then to be Understood
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.
"When we listen with the intent to
understand others, rather than with the
intent to reply, we begin true
communication and relationship building.
Opportunities to then speak openly and to
be understood come much more naturally
and easily. Seeking to understand takes
consideration; seeking to be understood
takes courage. Effectiveness lies in
balancing the two." Stephen R. Covey
Habit 6: Synergize
I value other people’s strengths and learn from
them. I get along well with others, even people
who are different from me. I work well in
groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve
problems. I know that “two heads are better than
one”. I am a better person when I let other
people into my life and work.
The Goose Story
Next
fall, when
you see Geese
heading South for
the Winter, flying along
in V formation, you might
consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way:
as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an
uplift for the bird immediately following. By
flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least
71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its
own.
People who share a common
direction and sense of
community can get where they
are going more quickly and
easily because they are
traveling on the thrust of one
another.
When
a goose falls
out of formation,
it suddenly feels the drag
and resistance of trying to go it alone
and quickly gets back into formation to take
advantage of the lifting power of the bird in
front.
If we have as much sense as a goose,
we will stay in formation
with those who are headed the same way
we are.
When
the Head Goose
gets tired, it rotates back
in the wing and another goose flies point.
It is sensible to take turns doing
demanding jobs with people or with geese
flying South.
Geese
honk from behind to
encourage those up front to keep up their
speed.
What do we say when we honk from
behind?
Finally,
and this is important,
when a goose gets sick, or is
wounded by gunshots and falls out
of formation, two other geese fall out with
that goose and follow it down to lend help and
protection.
They stay with the fallen goose until it is able
to fly, or until
it dies. Only then do they launch out on their
own, or with another formation
to catch up with their group.
IF WE HAVE THE SENSE OF A
GOOSE, WE WILL STAND BY EACH
OTHER LIKE THAT.
by Dr. Harry Clarke Noyes
ARCS NEWS, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1992
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
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.
Student Recognition Program
A Leadership Luncheon is held monthly. Each classroom and special area
teacher nominates a student who has exhibited outstanding Leadership skills to
attend. Guest Leaders share lunch with students and discuss leadership traits.
Cafeteria / Gym Mural
Hallway
Displays
Classroom
Displays
Specialists &
Support Programs
Bringing It Home
Read & discuss
The 7 Habits for Happy Kids
Use the language. i.e. “How could you be proactive in this
situation?”
Consider which habit your child is strong in. Which are
weaknesses? Discuss & set goals.
Talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Verbalize
when a habit is used.
Make a family mission statement.
(Begin with the end in mind.)
Model. i.e. Write out agendas and to-do lists.
(Put first things first.) “Leadership is communicating people’s worth
and potential so clearly that they are inspired
to see it themselves.” ~Unknown
Credits
The Seven Habits for Highly Effective People by
Stephen Covey
The Seven Habits for Happy Kids by Sean Covey
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by
Sean Covey
The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey
The Leader in Me website
Trainings led by Mary Kay Widener
Inspiration from A.B. Combs Elementary