Leader in Me (7 Habits)

At McSwain School, one of our main goals is to teach our students 21st century leadership and life skills. While academics are important, developing the whole child through The Leader in Me and the 7 Habits is paramount for student success.

The principles taught in the 7 Habits are universal, timeless principles of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness, which are secular in nature and common to all people and cultures. They transcend political, philosophical, religious, socioeconomic, generational, gender, and lifestyle differences, and may be adapted and applied in any context or environment.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People	Principles	Application Using Age-Appropriate Language for Students
Habit 1: Be Proactive	Initiative Responsibility Choice Accountability	You’re in Charge: “I am a responsible person. I take initiative to make things happen. I choose my own actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame other people for my mistakes. I focus on the things I can influence.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind	Vision Planning Purpose	Have a Plan: “I plan ahead. I know how to set and achieve 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 purpose.
Habit 3: Put First Things First	Prioritization Organization Discipline	Work First, Then Play: “I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things that are less important. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.”
Habit 4: Think Win-Win	Consideration Courage Mutual benefit Fairness	Everyone Can Win: “I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I build good relationships with others by being kind, saying I'm sorry when needed, and keeping commitments. When conflicts arise, I look for options that work for both sides.”
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood	Respect Mutual understanding Empathy	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	Creativity Cooperation Diversity Humility	Together Is Better: “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.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw	Renewal Health and wellness Continuous improvement Balance	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. I am balanced.”