PLAY CATCH!

Catch your kids demonstrating every day leadership - and share it with us!

At every age, kids are discovering, developing and trying out their leadership skills - which include actions such as taking initiative, communicating effectively, and creatively approaching/solving problems. Our kids will be called on to use all of these skills when they get to college & the work force in order to create meaningful success in their lives.

When parents, teachers, coaches, instructors notice and comment, it serves as THE MOST POWERFUL tool to enhance and shape their leadership skills. Positive reniforncement. It's a fundamental best practice approach everywhere - at work, at home, in school, and in the community.

When we don't notice, or worse, when we interfere and take over, we stifle leadership development, increase dependency and retard initiative. Comprehensive studies* in companies across the country find significant deficiencies in leadership, communication, and initiative. So in addition to looking at our kids leadership skills - we must also take a look at our own! We need to catch ourselves BEFORE we interfere, before we micromanage, before we do something - anything - for our kids that they can do for themselves. Because when we do... what they get is that we don't think they're capable. And that ...kills...confidence and initiative. Rather than rob them of leadership development experiences, let them do it themselves. Even when they make mistakes. Or aren't perfect. It's harder for us - and often for them, but it is absolutely critical. And the sense of accomplishment and acknowledgement they feel when they get it (mostly) right is invaluable. Leading by example - modeling great leadership - is powerful.


Play catch with your kids and (with yourself) - and let us know what you find!

*www.21stcenturyskills.org/documents/FINAL_REPORT_PDF09-29-06.pdf -