When our content manager assigns a blog post, I ruminate on the topic. I walk my dog, fold laundry, and drive with the radio and podcasts off, just wondering about the subject.
As I drove today, I realized that the leaders in my past had given me some things that profoundly shaped who I am today.
Then I wondered, “Did they know what they were giving me, or did they just do it without thinking about it?” I am not sure they would know the answer if I asked them.
Here they are:
- They gave me more responsibility than I deserved.
This was much more consistent than I realized. Every one of them gave me more responsibility than I had earned.
In one of my early jobs in a small engine repair shop, my boss (also my uncle) trained me how to run the business in the first few weeks of summer vacation, and then he left on vacation with me in charge. I didn’t feel ready, but I survived. And I don’t think we lost any long-term customers because of it.
- They gave me the freedom to make mistakes.
Each one allowed me to make mistakes, which the business and I could recover from.
When school emphasizes the correct answers, young people are deprived of the freedom to make mistakes. The current culture of youth sports, which downplays “free play,” also limits experimentation.
But I can tell you the freedom to make mistakes taught me as much as many college courses.
- They gave me room to explore.
They didn’t pigeonhole me into a role and tell me to “stay there.” If they knew I was interested in something else, they would allow me the freedom to try it out. This room to explore has led to a diversification of skills that has served me well. It also taught me some things that I should NEVER do again.
- They gave me feedback and encouragement.
I don’t think the first three work without this one. My leaders gave me feedback and encouraged me with words. They also encouraged me to ask questions. They also encouraged me with stories about their fits and starts in life and leaders.
So, as I enter the fourth decade of my professional life, I will seek to give these gifts to those who are coming behind me, and I encourage you to do the same.
I usually don’t end our time together with homework, but I would like to this week. Grab a small sheet of paper or a 3×5 card, and write down these four questions:
- Am I giving the leaders coming behind me more responsibility than they deserve?
- Am I giving the leaders coming behind me the freedom to make mistakes?
- Am I giving the leaders coming behind me the room to explore?
- Am I giving the leaders coming behind me feedback and encouragement?
Then, put the paper where you will see it for the next few weeks.