L. Greathouse--Ch. 1; Pat Bickley--Ch. 2

The Leader in Me – blog.

L. Greathouse

Introduction and Chapter 1: Too Good to Be True?

Introduction: The author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, Stephen Covey, explains the philosophy behind developing leaders among our children, our future. Through his work and presentations, he applied seven habits to teens, then on to elementary schools as important people involved directly in the business of school became involved. One person was principal Muriel Summers, who asked Dr. Covey’s advice about taking this back to her elementary school in North Carolina. From here, the program has grown to include schools across the nation and beyond.  As Dr. Covey states, he prefers to “focus on the good” and the leader approach provides an avenue for everyone to do just that.

Chapter 1: The work done at A.B. Combs Elementary in Raleigh, N.C. is highlighted. This school is the first to implement the program, and where Muriel Summers still serves as principal.  A parent interviewed describes a first visit where he observed the following:

1.        Accounts of high and sustained test scores; friendly/respectful students; an engaged staff; and a principal named as “Principal of the Year”

2.        Evidence of minimal discipline issues

3.        Reports of all teachers being “happy” at school

4.        Observations of students who look people in the eye and greet those they pass in the hall, etc.

5.        Cheerful messages and motivating displays of student products throughout the building.

6.        A place where respect for diversity is not only valued, it is celebrated.

Over time, the author has seen this in action in a growing number of schools and so no longer doubts the sustainability of the use of the habits over time, nor the power great educators have to impact the next generation in such a positive way.

In the section, “Greatness to Match Today’s Realities”, there is discussion about the fact that advance technology and globalization of markets has created great opportunity for the human race, but also has moved us past the “information age” into what is now a time where factual information alone is not  enough. It is no longer the differentiator between those who succeed and those who do not. The new winners are creative, have strong analytical skills, a knack for foresight, and good people skills. The “right-brainers” are taking hold of the economy and the competition is not limited to those who have the textbook knowledge. Covey reports that this generation of people read far more text messages than they do school books. He reports on the need to help students acquire “primary greatness” which is about integrity, work ethic, initiative, and treatment of others. This naturally leads to a person’s development of secondary greatness, that which is associated with rank, title, and achievements.

Common among schools implementing this program are comments like “Every child needs this.” Others report becoming believers in the system after coming to the realization that it is “just the right thing to be doing.”

The chapter concludes with the need to look for three overriding themes throughout the book and the stories different organizations share. These are:

·         The universal nature of the leadership principles

·         The universal nature and unique potential of children

·         The same principles and approach being taught at these schools can also be taught at home.

Pages 16 & 17 provide insight into how the book is organized. The author encourages the reader to first skim, look at pictures, and get a feel for the nature of the information before reading it in its entirety.

Pat Bickley

Chapter 2

Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want from a School

Change and let that change begin.  It changed the students at A. B. Combs Elementary in every way possible and that change will influence the lives of the students, the teachers, the community, and the world.  Prepare students for the challenges that the world has and what better way than equip them to be leaders!

The heart of The Leader in Me are:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People –

Habit 1: Be Proactive

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

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, and look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

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

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

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

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

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 take time to find meaningful ways to help others.

What Parents Want from Schools – They want their children to:

·         Get along with others

·         Be responsible

·         Be tolerant of people’s differences

·         Become problem solvers

·         Learn to be creative

What the Business Community Wants –

·         Character

·         Competence

The first thing I look at when hiring is skills.  Skills get people in the door to be interviewed.  But what gets them hired and what keeps them hired is character.  Donnie Lane, CEO, Enersolv

What Teachers Want –

·         A partnership with students, parents, and community leaders.

What Students Want –

·         Physical: Safety, good health, food, exercise, shelter, and hygiene

·         Social-emotional: Acceptance, kindness, friendship, the desire to love and to be loved.

·         Mental: Intellectual growth, creativity, and stimulating challenges

·         Spiritual: Contribution, meaning, and uniqueness

Developing Leaders one child at a time!