Think Win-Win
Habit 4
Think Win-Win – Everyone Can Win
There is so much competition in our daily routine now with grades, jobs, sports, dance competitions, etc. Thinking Win-Win isn’t about “winning” or succeeding “at all costs”. It’s about a positive attitude, sharing, kindness, cooperation, communication and collaboration with others. Of course there is winning in games but there is no room for winning or score-keeping in relationships.
Win-Lose !
I don’t care how good I am, as long as I am better than you.
Lose-Win !
I’ll be the nice guy and just give in to keep the peace.
Lose-Lose !
If I’m going down, you’re going down with me.
Win-Win "
Thinking Win Win is an attitude that says I can win and so can you. Our student leaders balance courage for getting what they want with consideration for what others want. We’re in this together so let’s both succeed!
– Ask students if they have ever won a ballgame, a trophy, a competition, a prize, etc. How did winning make you feel? Can you think of an experience you have had where what you did made you and the other person or people happy as a result? If so, that means you were a winner and the person/people you affected by your good decision/action were winners, too. Have students share their “Win-Win” experiences.
What do buckets have to do with being leaders?
Bucket filling is an easy-to-understand concept: Everyone carries an invisible bucket that holds our good thoughts and feelings. When our buckets are full, we feel happy and when our buckets are empty, we feel sad.
Children quickly understand that they can fill buckets when they do and say things that are kind, considerate, caring, and respectful. They also learn that when they are mean, inconsiderate, uncaring, or disrespectful, they dip into buckets and remove those good feelings. Even the youngest child understands that actions and words can either fill a bucket or dip into it.
During this school year we are encouraging, reminding, and recognizing everyone’s efforts to be bucket fillers at home, at school, and everywhere they go this new program and look forward to your support.
If you would like to learn more about bucket filling, visit the Bucket Fillers website. Bucket Fillers offer a free weekly e-newsletter for parents and teachers.
Journal Writing Ideas:
1 – Have you ever wanted something or wanted to do something really bad? What was it? How did you go about trying to persuade/convince your parents to let you do it or have it? Did you give them reasons why and how it would be good for you and what you would do in return to help them or did you whine and pitch a fit to try to get what you wanted? What do you think is the best way to persuade/convince someone to agree with your ideas? Why?
2– If a student chooses not to study for a test and makes a failing grade, who loses? Is it the student? Their parents? Teacher? Why? Why not?
3 – The Golden Rule says “Treat other people the way you want to be treated.” How does the Golden Rule help you make good choices about how to treat others so that you and others are happy?
4– Think of something you have wanted for a while. How can you persuade your parents to let you get it using the “Win-Win” idea? If your parents let you get it, what could you do for them in return?
5 – If you and your friend want to play with the same toy at the same time, how could you solve the problem so that you and your friend can win?
Habit 4 Suggested Reading List
The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
The Very Clumsy Click Beetle by Eric Carle
Let’s Be Enemies by Janice May Udry