A while back I found a little book in a used bin that really hits the nail on parenting (and maybe managing employees as well). I suppose it didn’t find its way into the really popular market because the authors aren’t big names…or it was their first book…or you guess.
My guess is simply that what they are saying doesn’t feel good---and, of course, feeling good is what reading is all about these days!
Allow me to intrude with a different idea: When things go better, you feel good---when you create something you want, you feel good. Personally, I don’t think we can guarantee any outcome with our children (we have 5 of the little critters), but I do think we can put the odds in our favor.
I don’t know John or Linda Friel, but I can tell you---they’ve hit the nail with their heads! The following is their list from their book, The 7 Worst Things Parents Do. In time I’ll probably discuss each of these, but they quite match my thoughts in The Absolute Quickest Way to Help Your Child Change (and they add a few insights, I might add). If you can find a copy, it’s worth the read. If not, here’s the overview of the worst things you can do:
1. Baby Your Child
2. Put Your Marriage Last
3. Push Your Child into too Many Activities
4. Ignore Your Emotional or Spiritual Life
5. Be Your Child’s Best Friend
6. Fail to Give Your Child Structure
7. Expect Your Child to Fulfill Your Dreams
Sadly, a lot of parents won’t buy these sound principles until it’s too late to apply them…but I’m telling you, ignore them to your own peril.
Now, by the same token, isn’t managing employees about the same? Imagine, “babying your employees,” “putting your business last,” “being your employee’s best friend”…etc., etc.
Perhaps the biggest danger is not recognizing the power of small changes in a system. Simply taking the one item above that you believe to be the most understandably true--- and then deciding to absolutely remove it from your life---this choice throws a dose of health into the system.
…and then, watch what happens!
…or…So, prove me wrong!
God’s best,
Fred
-return to the homepage to learn about our Writing Tips and ideas on the subject
|