I have four little kids. 9,7,5 & 2.
For my career I speak to companies & write books on leadership.
The more I think about it – they are same thing. Parents & Leaders do three things.
Parents help their kids feel:
1. Safe
2. Loved
3. Empowered to reach their potential
Leaders help their people feel:
1. Safe
2. Loved
3. Empowered to reach their potential
That’s easier said than done but at its core that is it. To help your people feel safe they need to feel important, heard, understood & a part.
To feel loved they need to feel like you (their leader) care about them. That you know them. That you think about them. That you listen to them.
To feel empowered they need to be taught & trained. They need to be given the opportunity to stretch & to grow – to fail & to learn. They need a partner to help them & encourage them along the way.
I’m not claiming to be the best parent or the best leader. They are both demanding, taxing, require patience & a lot of work. That’s what people development is. It’s also the most rewarding work you can do.
But at its core it’s simple.
Make them feel:
1. Safe
2. Loved
3. Empowered to reach their potential