Summary: In Preschool we learned about listening, using our words and sharing.  These same lessons apply to leadership.

I have to admit, this weeks blog post was inspired by youngest son…who is preschool. How did the inspiration come about? As most four year olds, he is learning how to interact more with his “friends” (code for classmates). As we discuss how he should interact with others, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the advice is the same for business leaders. These lessons may have been lost along the way of 12-16 more years of schooling, adapting to “working for a living” and all the other stuff that happens in our lives.

Since these are such good lessons, I am thrilled to be sharing. Let me know what (if any) you needed to relearn.

Listening. For children this is about listening to their teachers, to their friends, and most of all their parents. For business leaders this means listening to your advisers, employees, and peers.  As much as we want to believe we know it all – by listening not only do we learn about those around us, but we will learn a better way to do things and what is/is not working in our company. Word of caution: listening does not mean agreeing – it means you let others express themselves and you consider what they are saying.

Use your words. For children this is about asking your friends to share a toy or saying “please” and “thank you”. For business leaders this is about explaining your vision, thoughts, ideas, and direction to everyone in your company.  Your employees can only contribute to your goal if they know what it is.

Share. For children, as you can image, is about sharing toys, crayons, and balls. For business leaders this is about sharing knowledge, responsibility, and making your people accountable. Share your knowledge by coaching your employees in their job, decision making processes, and the industry. Share the work – you don’t have to do it yourself. Share the information they need and don’t micromanage. Share the good news and the not so good news.

What is your favorite lesson from Preschool that you still use today?