Leader In Me

In between burning multiplication tables in their brains and attempting to make plastic volcanoes convulse, there’s not a lot of room leftover for an elementary student to focus on leading the world. Fortunately, The "Leader In Me" program is taking a smaller approach, and is helping young Decatur City Schools' students become responsible leaders of their own daily lives. Donnie Lane, president, of Enersolv was instrumental in developing the "Leader In Me" program in Decatur. 3M has also been one of the local resources that has helped this program become a reality, having donated $125,000 to ensure every elementary school in the Decatur City Schools’ system could participate in the program. Chestnut Grove Elementary was the first school to pioneer the seven habits in Decatur. The program quickly caught on and Decatur City Schools became the first school system in the world to implement "Leader In Me" in every elementary school - and it is flourishing! Recently, Somerville Road Elementary became a Lighthouse School for their outstanding efforts in the program. Not only is "Leader in Me" effective in the classroom, but the habits that are taught can also blanket the entire community. Skills learned by students don’t just stay in the classroom but are applied in every area of a student’s life including at home, in sports, and in future jobs. "Leader In Me" ultimately creates an opportunity for future success. With the seven habits, students learn how to avoid procrastination, how to get things completed, how to work effectively in teams, and how to stay proactive and prepared for whatever curve balls life is tossing that day. The habits help students set attainable goals, create and meet deadlines for projects, and stay consistent with their efforts. These skills are not strictly limited to a school building. They are also used by adults to help improve the way they control their lives in the office as well as at home. Many of our local employers look for employees that can demonstrate the seven habits because they tend to make stronger team members.

These are the habits that our students are learning to cultivate:

1. Be Proactive - You’re in charge
2. Begin with the End in Mind - Have a plan
3. Put First Things First -Work first, and then play
4. Think. Win-Win. – Find solutions that work for everyone
5. Seek First to Understand, then to Be Understood - Listen before you talk
6. Synergize - Together is better
7. Sharpen the Saw - Balance feels best