Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

As part of the taproot of Decatur's systemic staff development program, Seven Habits fosters personal leadership growth which is of profound importance for all teachers and supporters of teachers. All--whether bus drivers, clerical, superintendent, teachers, etc.-- are leaders in the school setting since all provide models for students.

The course consists of seven classes lasting four hours each. We typically schedule classes a week apart to give participants enough time to read and reflect between sessions. About twenty people from all across the school district form a class. Our license agreement with the Covey Institute allows us to include any employee of Decatur City Schools and their spouses. When it is time to start a new course, we issue one invitation to each school district building which ensures an interesting mix. To date, we have made no special attempt to involve spouses but have welcomed those who have requested to attend.

Seven school administrators serve as facilitators. The staff development supervisor leads in every session with the other six alternating as co-facilitators. Other trained facilitators from the local General Electric plant and from D and S Engineering ocassionally assist in leading classes as well. This design offers consistency with the staff development supervisor being the constant and richness with the others sharing their wealth of diverse strengths and experiences.

The content of the course is based on Stephen R. Covey's book by the same title. It is grounded in timeless principles of living which cross all cultures, all time, and all religions. For more information on our implementation of Seven Habits, we would welcome your inquiries. For information on how to obtain training and a license to start your own program, contact Paula Collins at the Covey Leadership Institute in Provo, Utah (1-800-272-6839).

Audience: All Decatur City Schools Employees
Leader: Jeanne Payne with guest facilitators from within our system