Beginning in 2010, the Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation, Bowling Green Independent School District and Warren County Public Schools began a journey to support the youth in our community in developing leadership and life skills. They believe leadership, responsibility, problem solving, adaptability and soft skills are as important as academics. The community began a partnership with FranklinCovey, the world leader in helping organizations achieve results through the principles of leadership based upon the writings of Benjamin Franklin and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People research by Stephen R. Covey.

What is Leader in Me?

Many people equate leadership with a formal position of authority. The foundational belief of Leader in Me is that anyone can be a leader by intentional leading one’s own life. The Leader in Me is a whole school model focusing on teaching leadership skills to every student and creating a culture of student empowerment.

Why Leader in Me?

The Leader in Me provides an opportunity for all students to learn and apply leadership skills.  The principles taught in the 7 Habits are universal, timeless principles of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness which are common to people and cultures around the world. Our students will benefit by graduating with soft skills necessary for any career.

What are the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?

Habit #1   Be Proactive 

You’re in Charge!   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 

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 and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I 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 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

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 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

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 anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

Habit #7   Sharpen the Saw

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.

 Habit #8 (New)  Find your voice and help others find theirs.

Find your Gift!  Voice is Covey’s word for “unique personal significance.” Those who inspire others to find theirs are the leaders needed now and for the future. (Steven Covey)

How do schools implement the Leader in Me?

The Leader in Me is a whole school model that takes an organizational approach to engage all members of the school community to collaboratively create a school environment where students and adults practice social emotional learning (soft skills) through a leadership lens. The Leader in Me is not an event or a curriculum, but rather a component that establishes leadership development.

It all starts with the 5 core paradigms of practice:  leadership, potential, change, motivation and education. The Leader in Me integrates these highly effective practices into the framework to get results.

Paradigm of Leadership

Everyone can be a leader

Paradigm of Potential

Everyone has genius

Paradigm of Change

Change starts with me

Paradigm of Motivation

Educators empower students to lead their own learning

Paradigm of Education

Education develops the whole person

 

How does Leader in Me help my business?

SCK LAUNCH Leader in Me is a long-term investment into the Bowling Green area’s future workforce. By investing and supporting our youth, stronger talent for your business is being developed. Our future workforce is learning employability skills beginning in kindergarten and continuing through graduation. They are learning to identify and utilize their gifts and strengths, being exposed to leadership opportunities and learning the essential soft skills necessary to be effective in their future career.

Bowling Green Independent Schools and Warren County Public Schools that implement LiM

Bowling Green Independent Schools

Dishman-McGinnis Elementary*
Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary
Potter Gray Elementary
T. C. Cherry Elementary*
W. R. McNeil Elementary*
Bowling Green Junior High School

 

Warren County Public Schools 

Alvaton Elementary*
Briarwood Elementary*
Cumberland Trace Elementary*
Jennings Creek Elementary
Jody Richards Elementary
Lost River Elementary*
Natcher Elementary*
North Warren Elementary*
Oakland Elementary
Plano Elementary*
Richardsville Elementary*
Rich Pond Elementary*
Rockfield Elementary*
Warren Elementary
Drakes Creek Middle
Henry F. Moss Middle
South Warren Middle
Warren East Middle

 

Leader in Me Lighthouse Status*

Schools that achieve “Lighthouse” Certification shine as examples of the Leader in Me process taken to its deepest and most impactful level of implementation. Every school that commits to Leader in Me has the tools to join the hundreds of other Lighthouse Schools around the world. Together, Lighthouse Schools light the way to excellence—and you can be apart of it!

 

Leader in Me Photos

About SCK LAUNCH

SCK LAUNCH is a partnership between the Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation, the Bowling Green Independent School District, Warren County Public Schools and local businesses to ensure our future public school graduates succeed in their careers.

Get In Touch

For more information about how you can get involved with our talent initiatives, please email or call:

Meredith Rozanski: 
meredith@bgchamber.com | 270.901.4750

Sandra Baker:
sandra@bgchamber.com | 270.901.4617