Tuesday, March 15, 2011

What Does It Mean To Be An Effective Teen?

by Mariya Garilova
CTE Forummaster

In the fall I facilitated a 9th grade Junior Achievement Success Skills ®program based on Sean Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”. The program focused on self-assessment and preparation for success both in the workplace and college.
These habits are common sense principles that can assist students to take control of their life, plan ahead, increase their self-confidence, work in teams, become productive, and communicate effectively with parents, teachers, and friends. 
Habit 1: Be Proactive - Take responsibility for your life.  
It is as simple as replacing “I’ll try” and “I have to” with “I’ll do it” and “I choose to”.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind - Define your mission and goals in life.  
It is important to put your goals into action and turn your weaknesses into strengths.
Habit 3: Put First Things First – Prioritize, and do the most important things first.  
Discipline as well as time management and organizational skills are essential. 
Habit 4: Think Win-Win – Have an everyone-can-win attitude.
The key is to stop comparing and competing with others. 
Habit 5: Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood – Listen to people sincerely.
Mirroring techniques, i.e., “I can see that you are feeling….” can help you become an active listener.
Habit 6: Synergize  - Work together to achieve more.
Celebrate diversity, work in teams, have an open mind, and find the best solution together.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Renew yourself regularly.  
Invest in yourself by constantly improving all dimensions: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional.
Looking at your students, which effective habits do teens exhibit in their academic life? Which effective habits do teens exhibit in their work relationships?
References:
Covey, S. (1998).  The 7 habits of highly effective teens. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster

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