3 leadership lessons from a toddler
Insights for leadership growth from my 16-month-old toddler.
In a previous post, I shared the unexpected leadership lessons learned navigating the early days of fatherhood. Those days have brought insights into patience, adaptability, and the sheer unpredictability of life with a newborn. Today, as my kid steps confidently into the toddler years, I find the learning journey as a parent—and a leader—continues to evolve in fascinating ways.
Surprisingly, writing this post took me longer than I expected. My kid has inspired me in many ways, and it was hard to distill this into a few takeaways. Thankfully, I discussed this topic with other parents who are also leaders, and I narrowed it down to three essential leadership qualities that we can learn from toddlers.
1. Take Risks
Unless you are a daredevil, for adults, risk-taking can feel intimidating and sometimes dangerous. Toddlers approach life with an uninhibited curiosity that adults often shy away from. Watching my kid fearlessly explore new environments reminded me that true growth often requires risk-taking and stepping into the unknown.
While I write this, my kid is trying to stack a small chair on the couch and try to stand on it!
As a leader, it's important to cultivate and encourage this aspect of risk-taking within your team. Embracing uncertainty and failures can lead to innovative solutions and open doors that caution might leave closed. That's why I like to call it "mistakes to celebrate."
To be clear, I am not implying that you shouldn't have safeguards in place. Just like baby-proofing your home, you need to assess any potential risks before taking that leap and opening yourself up for new growth opportunities. You never know what great things may come from it.
2. Be Persistent
We often come across success stories and lessons on persistence shared by various leaders and entrepreneurs. While I have personal experiences related to this, I have enjoyed watching my toddler go through this phase. Whether it's stacking blocks or learning to use a spoon, toddlers don't give up easily. Their persistence in mastering new skills is a lesson in tenacity.
As leaders, we face challenges that can be daunting at first. Persisting through difficulties shows dedication and drive, traits that will ultimately help you and your team succeed. Don't get me wrong here. I am not saying to ignore other people's input and bulldoze your way through, but rather to persist in finding solutions to overcome obstacles.
3. Be Flexible
Plans change—often dramatically and unexpectedly. Adaptability has been key in parenting, as it is in leadership. As a parent, you learn how to be flexible, and it takes time for a Type A personality like me and my partner to embrace it.
We have had our share of "let's wolf down our food and get the heck out of here" moments on what was supposed to be a lovely family weekend brunch.
Staying flexible and adjusting strategies in the face of new information or changing circumstances keeps a team resilient and responsive. In some cases, it can make a huge difference in achieving success.
Leaders who lack that flexibility might get stuck in outdated methods or find themselves resistant to something new. On the other hand, leaders who can go with the flow and pivot when necessary can navigate uncertain times and excel in an unpredictable environment.
Being flexible helps you inspire and motivate your team. It also allows you to confidently navigate challenges and devise innovative solutions. Ultimately, flexibility is indispensable for any leader who wants to succeed in today's ever-changing market.
I was listening to a recent Startup Dad episode the other day, and one topic resonated with me.
You can't fake habits and values in front of your kids. We spend a lot of time with them, and if you want them to learn these values and habits, you have to change and grow yourself.
The journey through toddlerhood is filled with lessons that extend far beyond parenting. As my kid grows and learns each day, so does my ability to lead with empathy, creativity, and resilience. As leaders, embracing these traits can enrich our understanding and effectiveness in managing teams and projects.
The early years of our kids are crucial for their development. Take full advantage of these shared experiences and continue to grow.