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Stephen R. Covey created the Leader in Me idea. He was a famous author of the popular book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The Leader in Me isn’t just a curriculum, but a philosophy incorporated throughout the school day.
Schools create a culture where kids use Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Kids. This program helps set goals and gives students leadership roles. It changes the usual teacher and administrator duties
What is Leader in Me in Lighthouse Schools?
1. The program assigns leadership roles to students in the school community. Students do tasks to be responsible and learn to work together.
2. Setting Goals: Students learn how important it is to make plans and work towards them. This habit helps people think ahead, telling them to picture their goals for the future and take steps to make them come true.
3. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: It helps students improve their social skills by learning empathetic listening and clear speaking.
4. Skills for Solving Problems: The program teaches working as a team to solve problems using habits like ‘Synergize’ and ‘Think Win-Win.’
Impact on Students and School Culture
The question “What is a Leader in Me?” has opened many doors for students. Schools using its ideas have seen amazing success.
Students feel more purposeful, confident, and ready to act. Teachers see positive changes as students become more engaged in their learning.
This program extends beyond regular schooling, getting students ready for future challenges in every part of their lives.
The 7 Habits of “leader in me” Curriculum in schools
The Leader in Me curriculum centers on the powerful framework of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
These habits equip students with tools to communicate, collaborate, think critically, be creative, and manage their emotions.
They’re not just a way to communicate; they’re the foundation of our school’s strong sense of leadership.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Proactive people select their own way and are totally responsible for the results. You are being proactive when you will:
- Remain/stay calm
- Take responsibility
- Think before you act
- Only focus on solutions
- Take initiatives
- Always see alternatives, not bottlenecks
- Stay focused on what you can influence
Ways to practice Be Proactive
- Commence your sentences with “I choose to…” “I have the opportunity to…” “I aim to…” “I am capable of…”
- When boredom strikes, perform a kind deed for someone else.
- Challenge yourself to conquer a fear today. Make a new acquaintance or actively participate in class discussions.
- Always prioritise apologies. If you err, express remorse without waiting for someone to prompt you.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
People who begin with the end in mind always have a plan. They create a personal mission statement that describes how they live every day.
You begin with the end in mind when you:
- Set short-term and long-term goals.
- Plan the steps you need to take to reach your goals.
Ways to practice
Map Your Route: I think ahead and establish aims. I engage in meaningful actions that create an impact. I play a pivotal role in my class and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I actively seek ways to be a responsible member of society.
Practical Steps for Envisioning the Destination
- Organize your attire for the next day before bedtime.
- Grab a pencil and jot down three goals you aspire to achieve. Place the paper in a spot where you’ll regularly see it.
- We all have areas to improve, whether it’s homework completion, nightly teeth brushing, or following our parents’ guidance. Choose one aspect for enhancement and begin working on it.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
When people prioritise, they focus on what’s really important, not just what seems urgent. They take action on what matters most, plan for the week, and act every day.
Putting first things first means organising time around what truly matters and getting rid of what doesn’t.
Ways to practice
Work Before Fun: I spend time on the most important stuff. That means I say no to things I shouldn’t do.
I decide what’s most crucial, make a plan, and stick to it. I’m good at staying disciplined and organised.
Tips for Prioritizing
- Talk to your family about the important things you need to do, like homework, making your bed, or taking out the trash.
- Do your tasks before someone asks you to.Start with the toughest part of your homework.
- Think of something you’ve been avoiding, like tidying your room or fixing your bike tyre. Go do it now!
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
People who believe in win-win think that everyone can succeed, and one person’s success doesn’t mean someone else loses—that’s win-lose.
Ways to practice
We All Can Win: I try to get what I want while also thinking about what others want. I do nice things that make others happy.
When there’s a problem, I look for solutions that make everyone happy.
Tips for Thinking Win-Win
- Ask an older person about the golden rule and try it out with someone.
- Try not to be grumpy or sad for a whole day.
- Instead of arguing over toys, ask, “How can we both be happy?”
- Make a “wish poster.” Divide it into two sides. On one side, put pictures of things you want, and on the other, things your mom or dad want. Look at it together and find ways to make both sets of wishes come true.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
People who try to understand others before sharing their own thoughts are practicing Habit 5.
It’s about finding a balance between being brave and thinking about others, and expressing ourselves clearly and kindly.
In simple words:
Listen First, Talk Later: I listen to what others think and feel. I try to see things from their side. I don’t interrupt when others speak. I’m confident in sharing my thoughts, looking people in the eye when I talk.
Tips for Understanding Others Before Speaking Up:
- Try not to talk for an entire hour. Instead, watch and listen to those around you. It can be a challenge!
- Think about someone you know who’s a great listener. What do they do that makes them so good at listening?
- When a friend seems sad, pay attention to their eyes or how they’re feeling. Let them know you see they’re upset and that you’re there to help.
Habit 6: Synergize
Synergy happens when people understand that each person has special talents and that together, they’re stronger than they could ever be alone.
It’s about finding new and better ways to team up.
In simple terms:
I appreciate what others are good at and learn from them. I get along with all sorts of people. I do well in groups and like hearing different ideas.
I know that when we work together, we can come up with better solutions than any of us could alone. I’m open to learning from others.
Tips for Synergizing:
- Write down three things you’re really good at and three things someone else you know is good at.
- Watch your favourite sports team play and see how all the players work together.
- During the summer, set up a lemonade stand with your friends. Each person can take on a role—someone can make the poster, another can make the lemonade, and someone else can set up the table. Have a blast!
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Taking care of ourselves is super important because it helps us do everything else better. When we “sharpen the saw,” we’re looking after our most valuable asset: ourselves.
We make sure to keep our body, mind, heart, and spirit in good shape.
In simple words:
Balance is key. I look after my body by eating well, moving around, and getting enough sleep. I spend time with my family and friends.
I learn from lots of different places, not just at school. I find ways to help others that really mean something.
Tips for Taking Care of Yourself:
- Try going to bed early for two nights and notice how good you feel when you wake up!
- Read for twenty minutes every day for a whole week.
- Play with someone you haven’t played with for a long time today.
- Visit a favourite natural spot, like a mountain, park, or stream. Think about all the things in your life that make you happy, like your grandma, your dog, a favourite toy, or playing with friends while you’re there.
Problems with the Leader in Me and its controversy
A lot of people don’t like the Leader in Me programme, which has caused a lot of debate. These are the main worries:
Cost: The price for the programme isn’t clear, so it’s hard to make an estimate. There are rumours that the basic price will be around $55,000, and that advanced training will cost more.
Putting money into such expensive training makes people nervous at a time when schools are having to deal with budget cuts and teacher layoffs.
Perceived Cult-like Atmosphere: Some critics say that the programme creates a forced cult-like atmosphere by using a lot of Seven Habits words in everyday conversations.
Some people think this way of talking stops people from having deeper talks and promotes simple, black-and-white thinking.
Concerns: There are worries about the program’s effectiveness because there hasn’t been enough independent study to back it up. Many schools like it, but some people still have doubts, especially older students who find the repetitive words less powerful.
Corporate Influences: Some people don’t like the program’s ties to businesses and don’t like that local Chambers of Commerce support it.
The program’s structure, which looks a lot like a business plan, and the requirements for promoting it also make people suspicious.
Cultural Bias: It’s a worry that the programme might not work well with people from different cultures when it’s put into schools that are culturally diverse.
Some people say that the ideas might go against some cultural norms and beliefs.
Concerns about Religious Roots: Some people are worried that the programme may have religious roots.
Some critics say that even though the habits don’t seem harmful at first glance, looking closer into Covey’s work shows links to the teachings of his Mormon faith, which raises concerns about possible brainwashing.
All of these problems and disagreements about the Leader in Me programme show a wide range of worries, from money issues to religion and cultural issues.
Conclusion
The Leader in Me program is a movement that believes every student has the ability to be a leader. It gives kids the skills they need to survive in a world that is always changing by being in line with Covey’s 7 Habits.
This method is changing schools, and it’s having an impact not only in the classroom but also in the community as a whole. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is helping to shape the next generation of leaders.
