What my two-year-old reminded me about Leadership?
Does the day-to-day hustle seem even more challenging nowadays, particularly with pre- and post-pandemic worry piled on top of living the dream? Taking the time to reflect on how to manage internally and externally require a whole new skillset akin to performing a juggling act on a tight rope in the air. Let’s be honest. COVID changed a lot. But COVID also offered society an opportunity to reflect, consider and re-think what’s really important, and what’s not. Learning to prioritize tasks is something that children do best. They are often unaware of external forces competing with their internally motivated interests of getting the task done. So, who better to remind us why clear communication, acceptance of our uniqueness, learning from others, and undoing what we’ve been doing for the past couple of years (if not longer) than my two-year-old daughter. Inextricably, she reminds me of the good in people, the importance of what’s really important and what’s not, and she even inspired me to consider how my leadership is embodied in our own relationship.
1. Clearer Communication
At the top of this list is communicating more clearly. I always thought I was good at this. In some ways, I am and other ways I need to improve. When we are close to a topic, we say things in a way that we understand but maybe not exactly what we mean. Others can interpret and perceive these things differently. For example, I asked my daughter to sit down to put on her shoes. I was standing at the chair waiting for her, and when she did not come, I turned around to see where she had gone. What I saw was a little girl sitting on the floor right where she was when I asked her to sit down. While I laughed, I realized my instructions needed to be more explicit. This has happened many times and in different situations recently. It has reminded me that we need to be clear in our instructions to our followers. When we leave details out, it is easy for things to be misinterpreted. We can talk with our followers, ask if they have questions, and clarify any misunderstandings before they happen. Not as easy as with a two-year-old.
2. Determination
My daughter is very determined. When she sets her mind on something, she does not give up till she figures it out. It can be a little tiring at times but is also inspiring. We encounter many obstacles throughout our careers that we need to make decisions about. Sometimes those decisions are easier to make than others. She wants to be independent but sometimes encounters situations beyond her control. All I have to do is take the time to show her once, and she usually has it. This is a good reminder because, as a leader, I know there have been times I have been frustrated to have to take time out of my day to show someone how to do something. While I do not try to let them see my frustration, the emotion is there. This is a good reminder that a bit of time upfront can save a lot of time in the long run.
A Bit of Time Upfront can Save a lot of Time in the Long Run.
3. Keep on Learning
It amazes me how much my daughter learns daily. She constantly surprises me with new things. It reminds me that as we get older and we finish our higher education, that does not mean we stop learning new things. As leaders, we need to continuously challenge ourselves to learn and stay up-to-date with industry trends. One of the things I have always done since day one was to make learning FUN! She is excited to learn if she thinks she is playing a game or helping. As she gets older, her motivators will change, and I will adapt my approach. Whether I am teaching students, coaching/mentoring professionals, or giving lectures…I always try to make it fun and engaging. Watching my daughter flourish and succeed has reaffirmed my beliefs about learning and has motivated me to keep striving to do better and bring more innovation to all my teachings.
4. Try Different Approaches / Problem Solve
The Importance of Empowerment and Teamwork
Over the last year, it has been interesting to watch my daughter solve problems. When some of us might have given up, she looks for alternatives and thinks outside the box. When she started to walk, I remember her carrying some items that she wanted to take out of her room. However, there was a gate at her door that she needed to step over. She could not step over this with the items in her hand because she needed to hold on to balance. So she leaned out and put the things down on the floor in the hall and then was able to use her hands to step over the gate. Now that she was on the other side, she picked up her items and carried on. I was so proud of her problem-solving skills. However, she also knows when the problem is too big for her or needs additional resources and does not hesitate to ask for help. The other day she was helping me with her laundry. I asked her to put her laundry basket back in the room. She was so excited to help and carried the basket down the hall, but she could not get through the door when she got to her room. So she called me for help. Once the basket was through the door, she completed the task. This reminded me about the importance of empowerment and teamwork.
5. Lead by Example
Since day one, everyone has always commented on how alert and observant my daughter is. While she might not be participating, she is watching and learning. So many times, I thought, how did she know that? No one directly taught her. She learned indirectly by observing our actions. This also made me realize I needed to be careful with my actions and what I said because she was taking everything in. The same is true for followers in the workplace. They look to leaders for guidance and direction. These relationships can either be built of solid ethics and trust, or they can be toxic. Toxic leaders can destroy the culture of an organization.
