“Leadership is a choice, not a position.” ~ Stephen R. Covey
The Leader In Me is a leadership framework that teaches 7 highly effective habits to help individuals be effective leaders of their personal, professional and academic lives.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, written by Stephen R. Covey, is the basis for this framework and is used as an operating system for many companies, organizations and schools.
Here at Lincoln, we’ve adopted this framework because we believe in our students. Every child has the potential to be great! We believe that providing a proper foundation, encouragement and tools, students can, not only be or do what they want to do in life, but inspire others to do the same. “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves” (Covey, 2008). The Leader In Me provides lifelong tools for students (and adults) to make good choices, have a vision, set goals and plan, be empathic, caring and a good listener, and be a team player. As we review and teach the 7 Habits, we invite you to talk with your children about it, encourage them to use it at home and in the community, and to lead by example and use the habits yourselves.
Live these habits with us! It can and will create a change in lives… even your own!
Habit 1: Be Proactive ~ Make Good Choices!
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 watching. I am free to choose, however, I understand there are consequences that accompany my choices. I am a product of my choices, not my circumstances.
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 (organization) and contribute to my school’s (organization’s) mission and vision, and 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 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 First, Then 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 any one of us alone. I am humble.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw ~ Balance is Best!
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with my family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school (work). I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the goodness that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson