Being a parent and a curious mind in the field of digital transformation, I can’t help but draw parallels between these two experiences, which are very dear to my heart. I am considering creating a series on how I perceive the connections between them.
It struck me when a coachee said she wasn’t sure if she had what it takes to be a leader. This person is already in a formal role with significant responsibility and is also a loving mother. I stopped her right there – I know as a coach you aren’t supposed to do this – but when BS comes up (or the saboteur), I call it out.
When anyone takes their responsibilities as a parent seriously and cares lovingly for their children, it is, without doubt, the best form of leadership.
As a parent, you are in service to someone else, often without expecting anything in return. Your ambition is to help your children develop into self-responsible human beings who care about themselves and their environment. You are frequently outside your comfort zone, constantly adapting to what comes next – and you can be certain, you will eat last.
Many companies invest heavily in their most precious assets to become better “leaders.” They send them to trainings and seminars, there are dozens of podcasts and books on the subject – and yet, nothing is as striking an experience as practice. When the rubber meets the road, with a full load, you cannot prepare for these moments. Isn’t it the same for parenting?
You can prepare yourself in advance as much as possible, but at 3:00 a.m. with a child that is crying non-stop, you will not be the best version of yourself. Promise! Can you keep your cool and live up to your principles at home when food is flying around the kitchen, a child is consciously testing the limits of its environment, and the noise level would be forbidden in any professional setting? Most likely not, and you cannot prepare for it in theory.
But when is the right time to consider becoming a parent? Well, my mom said: “You will know.” And she was right. The same was true for my first initiative to take a leadership role in my Boy Scout troop. You sense when it’s time to step up, you feel the pressure of responsibility on your shoulders, and you grow and learn as you go.
Most importantly I would like to argue that just as any person has the inherent ability to be a great parent, any person has as much the abilty to be a leader.
Be prepared!
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