“A
house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as
the body.” Benjamin Franklin
Some of the best days Vikki and I have are the days when we have
our grandchildren for an extended period of time, this time five days during
the school week. We are amazed at the schedules they keep and the activities
they participate in. When we were both
kids, our biggest concern was getting outside to play in the streets until the
streetlights came on!
We both starting thinking about the lives of our blessed
grandchildren and what it means to work and being a better employee, and it
became clear – our children are
developing the fundamentals of work in the conduct and “management” of their
everyday lives. Many say work ethic is missing for many in the workplace –
and in many cases I would agree. It must slip away in later teenage and
college-age years. But for many – it is engrained for life – and we hope our grandchildren
will see this.
In the words and actions of Olivia and Jackson Moran, we
offer examples of early habits that can become - if continued - a lifetime of preparation for strong work
ethics. For example:
The importance of being timely – I watch Olivia and Jackson
manage a daily schedule which makes my mind hurt! Precise to the minute, they
stay on it – they are responsible.
Fitting In – The key to success in both the lives of a child
and in work. If you do not fit in, school (and work) can be a tough run. Our
kids fit in; their friends are truly valuable.
Always doing more – Not just going to school (or work) but
being actively engaged and doing more, contributing more and becoming a
“player”.
Managing your schedule – This was baffling. During the
school day and after, they stay on schedule and they know what they need to do
when. In work, it is the same.
Note Taking – “I’ll remember that” – and it doesn’t happen.
Watch your children take copious notes on their school day activities and
reminders.
Being Organized – The key to success on all life levels. If
one is organized one is productive and in control. Our kids learn early on; it
is important that they keep those habits.
Knowing the importance of a good night’s sleep – Our parents
had to fight with us to go to sleep. Today’s children seem to understand the
importance of a good night’s sleep and they seem to actually look forward to
you. Studies prove over and over again – a good sleep allows the body and mind
to function at 100%.
Eating healthy – My grand kids eat healthy (absent the
breakout or two!). They have balanced
lunches and it makes a difference.
Having a strong work ethic – Our observation is that in
order to get through a child’s school life, they must have a strong work ethic and
this will hopefully, with guidance from others, continue. No one suffers from
hard work; they grow stronger from it.
Rewarding after work (homework) is completed – Off the
school bus, and to work on the homework – that is a strong work ethic. After homework
is completed however, they reward themselves in some manner, a form of
recognition.
Being respectful – We are blessed. Our grandkids are truly
respectful and it comes from school and their parents. Early foundations of
respect for others can be the foundation of life.
Having fun – One must have fun, and our kids to for sure. It
isn’t just “fun” in the IPad or phone, but true fun – running, playing with the
dog, busting on their Popi (me), all that makes us laugh.
Developing relationships (friends) – The relationships you
develop will be, as one goes through life and career, your most important
assets. They get this; they form relationships that they nurture and they are
strong.
At time, we should look no further than the eyes of our
children to see behavior, ethics and conduct that are examples of being a great
employee or leader. Our role as role models and parents? Keep what they learn in their early years
engrained and part of their lives as they grow and develop.
Gotta go – school bus
will be here in 3.5 minutes!
And thank you for reading this. I am truly blessed. – Dan
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