Leadership Lessons I Discovered Changing Diapers: My Journey as a First-Time Dad and Product Leader
Becoming a first-time dad in January 2023 was like stepping into a whole new world. I must admit that it was not easy at first, and it still isn’t. The first three months were challenging. To be honest, I wasn’t the best parent or supportive husband during that time. It takes a lot to adjust to such a significant change. I am forever grateful for having a strong and patient wife who helped us overcome it despite everything she was going through.
We had planned to split our parental leave between the two of us. So, when our newborn was three months old, my wife returned to work, and I went on leave, something I was terrified of due to the nature of working in a startup. Reflecting on my leave now, taking those precious four months of parental leave allowed me to bond with my little one and became an unexpected crash course in leadership. So, let’s dive into some invaluable lessons I learned on this rollercoaster ride of parenthood and how they helped me grow as a product leader.
Patience: From Midnight Feedings to Product Development
Those midnight feedings and diaper changes taught me that patience is more than a virtue; it’s a superpower. As a new dad, I realized that great things take time. The same applies to leadership in the product world. Sometimes, we want quick wins, but just like a baby’s growth, progress in a team or project can be a slow burn. Embracing patience allows you to nurture growth and see it flourish in its own time.
Selflessness: From ‘Me’ to ‘We’
Parenthood redefined selflessness for me. It meant putting my child’s needs ahead of my own. This selflessness not only fostered trust and reliance but became a guiding principle in my leadership role. As a servant leader, I was able to further gain the trust of my team by tuning in more to their needs and well-being. Trust forms the bedrock of a high-performing team.
Prioritization: From Changing Diapers to Setting Priorities
Parenthood is a masterclass in prioritization. Suddenly, the trivial stuff faded away as I focused on what truly mattered — my child’s happiness and well-being. In product leadership roles, this translates into recognizing the crucial elements for success. Identifying and prioritizing the vital aspects is the key to achieving remarkable outcomes.
Effective Communication: From Baby Babble to Team Synergy
Babies may not speak our language, but they sure know how to communicate their needs. Understanding those cries and gestures became an art. In leadership, I’ve found that effective communication is equally critical. Listening to your team, empathizing with their concerns, and conveying your vision in a way that resonates creates a harmonious and productive work environment.
Adaptability: From Sleepless Nights to Shifting Strategies
Parenthood rarely adheres to a script. Babies are masters of unpredictability, and adapting to changing circumstances has become second nature. This adaptability is equally crucial in leadership. Markets shift, technology evolves, and circumstances change. Being able to pivot and adjust our strategies is the hallmark of a successful leader.
Humbleness: From Certainty to Learning
Parenthood taught me that I didn’t have all the answers. There’s humility in admitting that and seeking advice or learning as you go. In leadership, embracing humbleness means acknowledging that you don’t have all the solutions either. It’s about being open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and recognizing that growth is an ongoing journey.
To conclude, my journey into parenthood has not only made me a better dad but also a more effective product leader. These lessons in patience, selflessness, prioritization, communication, adaptability, and humility are the secret sauce to success in both my personal and professional life. Parenthood and leadership, as I’ve discovered, share a deep connection, and they’ve both enriched my life in profound ways. Here’s to the exciting adventure of being a husband, a dad and a leader, constantly learning, growing, and cherishing every moment.