When most people think of leadership, they call to mind a formal authority figure or a chosen leader. But what if I told you that everyone has the potential to be a leader? One can be a leader of self, being self-reliant and in charge of one’s choices, actions, and decisions. One can also be a leader of others. Some of the ways to lead others, none of which requires the holding of a formal title, include; sharing knowledge or talents to expand other’s thinking, inspiring others to rise to their potential, or guiding a group of people toward the accomplishment of a goal.
Jon Gordon, bestselling author of The Energy Bus, said, “We need to prepare our children to be the kind of leaders that will create a brighter and better future.” Dr. Stephen R. Covey defines leadership this way, “communicating a person’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.”
This belief is the foundation of a program for K-12 schools called Leader in Me that is based upon the popular book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Covey. These leadership principles that have been guiding business leaders for years have been embraced by thousands of schools searching for a way to provide an impactful educational experience to their students. Contra Costa Christian Schools is pleased to announce the launch of the Leader in Me program for the 2022-2023 school year. We will begin with the belief that there is greatness in every student and staff member, they are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. This program fits well with our desire to develop the whole child – mind, body, heart, and spirit. As a Leader in Me school, CCCS will teach leadership to every student, create a culture of student empowerment, and align systems to drive results in academics. The ultimate goal of the Leader in Me program is to help students become self-reliant (independent) and to work well with others (interdependent). Stop by and see this program in action this school year!
By Tammy Kirkpatrick, Contra Costa Christian School
