Parenting Means We Need To Be a Manager AND a Leader

“The manager has a short-range view, the leader has a long-range perspective.” – Warren Bennis

This quote always reminds me of our role as parents. We are both the manager and the leader in raising our children.

As managers, our short-range view helps us do it all: get homework assignments done, pay attention to projects that are due, get them to their committed activities, make it to school events, get meals ready, and of course the list goes on and on. We are right on target as managers as we groom our children’s intellectual, social, and physical well being.

However, in more ways than one, we are also our children’s leaders. We lead them through their challenges, we help them get back on their feet when they fall, we teach them the importance of good character and values, and we lead them back to good health when they are ill. This is how we nurture their inner well being; their emotions: through compassion, empathy, and kindness.

Yes, our children are happy because we help them manage their day-to-day lives but it is truly our leadership role that teaches them how to face life’s challenges and recover from the bigger, more important lessons of life. Our leadership is what adds the irreplaceable element of the long-range perspective of accomplishment and joy to their day-to-day happiness.

So in order to be effective parents, remember that we need both a manager’s short-range view and a leader’s long-range perspective. Better yet, while you are managing their day-to-day issues, lead by keeping the long range perspective in mind, every day. Be compassionate, empathetic, and kind while managing daily life. These are exemplary Tools of Growth to Raise Kids to Be Happy, Think Positive, and Do Good!

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