Have you ever seen the parent that brags about their child and pushes them so hard to be the best at their school or group that you sometimes wonder if the parent is living out their fantasy through the child? Many times the child does what is expected of them but deep down inside is not really interested in this pursuit at the same level that the parent is pushing so hard for.
Being a great leader or parent is not about making yourself look good. It is about empowering your children to make good choices and to choose and follow their own dreams and goals. Yes we want our children to do well and yes we are very proud of them when they do have accomplishments. But those accomplishments are not ours as a parent – but rather should be the result of our willingness to believe in them and give them the opportunities to grow.
As a parent we should be setting the example in continued growth, goal setting and improving ourselves in our own interests. We should be willing to make the sacrifices required for our children to be their best at whatever their goals are, helping them to recognize the results and consequences that their choices mean. In business your willingness to empower others because you believe in them will make you larger. In your family empowering your teammates will bring you a great amount of joy and happiness as each member becomes their best in what they want to pursue.