Leadership Lessons from Parenting

As the parent to two young boys (five and three), I can not help to notice the lessons I teach to my sons apply to leadership.  Tell me if any of these sound familiar “use your words to tell him what you want”, “you have to work together”, “answer my question”.  If you are a parent you have said these words many times and if you manage people you have thought these words or used similar words many times.

Setting Expectations. Or in parenting speak “use your words”. How many times have you been disappointed in a person’s performance? Feel they quite haven’t accomplished what you wanted? One reason may be they are not clear on what is expected from them – have you used your words to clearly explain and have the other person understand what is required? If you have clearly laid-out the expectations, given the proper tools and guidance – your employee should be meeting your expectations. Then once that is accomplished, set your expectation higher and watch them follow.

Teamwork. Or in parenting speak “work together”. Do you have a group of individuals who don’t communicate or are looking out for their own interest and not those of the team? You have teamwork issue.  You will need to see if there are any personal issues between the team members. Does everyone understand the objectives of the team? Explain to the team that recognition is given to the team as a whole and not to individuals. Should avoid any “one oneupmanship” that may be occurring or worse – lack of communication. Another motivator may be to create a common competitor (or enemy).  For example – your kids may think of the parents as the common “enemy” and will work together.  For your employees make the common enemy a competitor.

Listening. Or in parenting speak “answer my question”. Are you asking questions to your people? Are you listening to their answer. It is very easy to assume we have all the answers and may not be able to learn something new from a person who hasn’t been doing “this” as long as you have. You need to have a good communication with your people, they need to know you are listening and understand their point of view. Your people need to be able to approach without fear or concern for consequences – only then will you be listening to better your business.

Do you have any examples of how being a parent has helped you as a leader? Or maybe visa-versa?