I like that the elementary school teaches children The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I’m sure you’ve read or heard about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, an international bestseller written by Stephen Covey. The book teaches 7 fundamental values or habits for personal and social integrity and effectiveness.
I never imagined that my granddaughters would learn these skills in elementary school at such an early age.
When I received the training, to say I was much older is an understatement. But I remember my boss saying the 7 habits boils down to “doing what your momma said.”
And he was right. Mothers are the first teachers of how we should treat family, friends, co-workers, and authority.
Our moms told us to respect everyone and treat people like you want to be treated. She said we could be a bad or good example, but you knew you didn’t have a choice.
The idea that an 8, 9, or ten-year-old is learning stuff that I learned as an adult and a senior employee is pretty cool.
Kudos to the school system for incorporating a program that is applicable and relevant at home, school, work, and any social setting.
The Bible says, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV).
God’s laws and the laws of nature are the foundation of the habits. But Covey’s approach to these natural law-based principles is logical and easily understandable.
There is nothing new about our habits and how we should or shouldn’t interact. God created the first communication and relationship course. And He taught Adam and Eve. We can’t relate to God without understanding His character and knowing what He expects of us. Of course, He knows all of our quirks, misgivings, needs, and desires.
And we can’t relate to each other without caring enough to understand each other.
We know that misunderstandings, the lack of understanding, have wrecked marriages, friendships, ignited wars, and done everything in between.
We often claim that it’s the other person’s fault when there’s a communication glitch. Everyone’s interpretation or perception of a word, object, or situation isn’t always the same. So, understanding the other person’s perspective is essential.
Devaluing input or a different point of view isn’t communicating. And it’s rude and ineffective in creating harmony and teamwork.
Like Mom said, “The biggest room in everyone’s house is the room for improvement.”
We can be more considerate of our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors? Do we know how to change ineffective habits to ensure understanding, inner peace, happiness, and success?
My granddaughters received awards for mastering several of the 7 habits.
When I read the 5th graders pledge on the 2019-awards-day program, it was like revisiting my training of the habits.
Acquaint or reacquaint yourself with the habits listed in the pledge.
The 7 Habits Pledge
I pledge today the Habits I’ll use,
Become a strong leader and spread the good news.
I will be Proactive – I’m in charge of me.
Begin with the End in Mind – planning is the key.
Put First Things First – I will work then play.
Think Win-Win – with people every day.
I Will Listen then Speak – so we can all be heard.
It’s how it works best – understand is the word.
I will Synergize – because together is best.
I will Sharpen My Saw – to take care of the rest.
Be Proactive is the 1st habit. Don’t you love little proactive kids? They take the initiative, and they enjoy being in charge.
Begin with the End in Mind is a physical and spiritual concept. It speaks to your purpose or destination, and how you work toward it daily.
As Christian boys, girls, men, and women, we try to please God daily because we want to live with Him eternally. This means loving God and our fellowman through service.
Parents, grandparents, I know you love the 3rd habit, Put First Things First. That’s right, homework before horseplay.
And I will mention one other principle. I Will Listen then Speak. When I studied the habits, the 3rd habit was called Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. They both make the same point—listen first.
What did our moms tell us, and we, in turn, say to our children? “Listen, that’s why God gave you two ears but only one mouth.”
And we know that people hear but don’t listen.
I previously thought The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was a business guide. Business professionals use it. But it is also a model for self-awareness, improving habits, and character traits. Everyone can benefit from applying the habits.
So, why not teach the children these principles as early as possible?
Identifying and reinforcing the habits of highly effective people in elementary school is a win-win for parents, students, and society-at-large.
Congratulations to Alyeiah and leionna, my granddaughters, for a great 2018-2019 school year.