What is Leader in Me?
The Leader in Me is a process that aims to engage all members of the school community. It creates a school culture where students and adults practice social emotional learning through a leadership lens as part of their everyday school experience. Leader in Me shifts mindsets with five core paradigms: everyone can be a leader, everyone has genius, change starts with me, educators empower students to lead their own thinking and develop the whole person.
The Leader in Me process has Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as its foundation and supports both interpersonal and intrapersonal awareness and competence, including critical thinking, goal setting, listening and speaking, self-directed learning, and the ability to work in groups.
The 7 Habits
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 actions. I make good, responsible choices without being asked, even when no one is looking.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Have a Plan: I plan 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.