Raising A Leader: What Does It Even Mean?

We have a lot of pressure to raise good leaders. The best way I know is to lead by example.

You’ve heard it before, kids are sponges and they absorb everything, including: behaviors, actions, love, anger…. It’s possible when they see us, they mimic us. They are our mini-me’s, whether we like it or not.

I can recall a few things I experienced as a child that I now expect as an adult. One of those pertinent memories was having a father present in my life. Even today, I constantly remind my husband of the love I received as a daughter. That’s why it’s important my daughters understand healthy love from the most important male figures in their lives.

Take a second, think about some of the memories you have as a child. A lot of them might be about how your parents were as you were growing up. Your childhood naturally motivates and inspires your future endeavors. And who is responsible for nurturing childhood? Yep – mom, dad or anyone that’s taking place of a parent.

I come to the obvious conclusion that how WE are living life right now, will somehow impact the lives of our sons and daughters as future leaders. My hope is that when someone meets my children they will say things like she is authentic, humble, kind and giving. I think we can easily fall into leadership means being strong, brave and someone who stands out. It’s important to find out what leadership means to YOU and your family and work your way towards that goal little by little – together.

As a family, here is what we are currently focusing on to become good leaders:

Our GRACES – I first understood the power and meaning of the word grace about 2 years ago. How we respond and react to simple daily challenges or even devastating tragedies can form our children and how they gracefully journey through life. If we can RESPOND to the hard times with grace and kindness our children will have the tools to work through their own trials.

Our CHARACTER – We interact with people daily at home, at work, at the grocery store and at fun outings with the kids. “Please”, “thank you”, “forgive me”, “let’s work together to resolve,” are simple phrases we might use daily to demonstrate the growing virtues in our character. This is also evidence of being understanding, humble and empathetic – all words children at any age should feel comfortable with.

Our GRATITUDE – Recently, I watched the infamous Marie Kondo and she talks a lot about gratitude, including thanking your items for the joy they brought into your life before you donate them. I giggled at first. Then, I realized, if someone on a show can be that thankful for their items, we should be more purposeful in displaying gratitude for the people and things in our life. Showing gratitude to different people with small gestures tends to bring a positive ripple effect onto many others– which is a great show of leadership.   

I remind myself, the fruits of our labor don’t have to be so far out. When those kids are on the playground, it’s a sweet sound of leadership when I hear, “come play with me!” “Do you need help?” Or, “let’s build it together!”