According to Stephen R. Covey, there are seven habits of highly effective people: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand-then be understood, synergize and sharpen the saw. This paper will focus on the first of the seven habits, be proactive. "Be Proactive indicates that we are responsible for our actions and attitudes." (Covey, 2008, pg. 18) In other words, we cannot control what happens to us but we can control how we react to any situation. Being proactive is the foundation of all of the other habits so without being proactive or taking initiative over our lives, we cannot promote ourselves to following six habits.
Enhancing My Behavior
I'd like to think of myself as a person that is proactive. I love to take risks because through those risks I am able to stretch myself and step out of my comfort zone. However, I will commit to enhancing my behavior by not associating myself with dialogue that show frustration when there is change. For example, in my five years experience, we have had 1:1 iPad implementation, new language arts, math and science curriculum and the implementation of the Professional Leadership Community (PLC) model. That's a lot of change and when there is a lot of change, there is a lot of complaining. When there's a lot of complaining, there is also less effort because time is being wasted complaining. I've never been the type to complain, I make the best of a situation and keep evolving with the times. I truly believe all of the changes throughout the years have been great even though there were speed bumps along the way, it's expected.
Personal Commitment
Change is something I've become comfortable as I came into teaching at a later age. Prior to teaching, I logged in 8 years as a social worker while obtaining a bachelor's in business management. I decided to take a leap of faith into the field of teaching based on a vision I had. I had no experience in education but I had found myself in a Master's and credential program at the age of 28 while landing my first teaching job at the age of 30. Now I'm 36 and about to begin my sixth year of teaching. Change is also the reason I am currently in the process of obtaining my second Master's but this time in leadership. I never saw myself or even entertained the idea of being an administrator. Initially I was content with being a teacher and still am, I love teaching and being in the middle of a classroom with the opportunity to impact 25+ lives per year. Then I began to think bigger and beyond the classroom. Therefore, I commit to continue evolving and being proactive personally and professionally.
Teaching the Habit to Others
I believe the best way to teach the Covey's first be proactive habit to others is to lead by example. I've learned that throughout the years that simply preaching to people doesn't work. My actions are what people will notice and those actions speak louder than words. My job is prepare and do my best to model the principles of highly effective people around my circle of influence.
References
Covey, S. (2008). The Leader in Me (2nd Edition ed.). New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.