As a working mother, I'm both a leader at work and home. I was one of those young ladies who knew that she could handle both -- and still set the world on fire. At the time, I amazed those around me.
This week begins the test to see if I am a great leader at home. I've already been tested and passed in the workplace. I've coached, inspired, motivated, supported, trained, lead and disciplined staff who went on to bigger and better roles or carried on better prepared that before we met. I've also had opportunities to share my skill set with others and inspire colleagues, motivate peers and coach bosses. This has all been rewarding, but it is nothing compared to what I'm about to experience.
This weekend I put my oldest daughter on a plane to study in Europe. She, like her mother, has a strong will and accomplishes the goals that she sets out for herself. Any great leader learns to identify the qualities of each of those they lead and find ways to better prepare them to meet the challenges they will face. I managed by walking around and soon learned about my daughter's strengths and weaknesses. I had to make choices and decisions that balanced my respect for her wishes with what I knew was needed most to better prepare her for life. We had our good times, but also challenges (over coming dyslexia was, by far, the worst period).
There comes a time with each employee and child when it is time to let them fly. The test is seeing how they perform given your investment of time and leadership. When we have been great leaders, these employees and children soar to new heights. When we haven't invested enough time in their development or made the right leadership decisions, we see them struggle and sometimes plummet to the earth before our eyes.
Yes, it is a process. When we are most effective we watch this new flight and provide guidance that helps them strengthen and make corrections to flight patterns that lead away from mediocrity or failure.
The flight has begun and I'm watching.... Waiting and ready to provide guidance.... if and when needed.
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