When I asked my son to help clean today, I expected no more than some
half-hearted rearrangement of mess. Let's face it, getting my kids' room
to a state of calm took me the better part of last summer, so while I
had high hopes for our result, I envisioned myself doing most of the
work.
In the end, as my son puts it, he did two-thirds to my one-third. Sure, I
got the garbage and give-away bags, but he nimbly came up with things
to put in both. He may not have revolutionized his sisters' part of the
room, and there may yet be work all around, but he rose to the occasion,
really making and executing decisions about how he wanted his space and
his things to look. I couldn't have done it better myself.
My point here, aside from the fact that I am proud of my son, is that,
although I had some doubts, I stepped back and let my son prove himself,
and that he did.
In our work lives, we are often quick to write off people because of
their manner or because of our past experiences with them. And while
there's nothing wrong with learning from experience, we can miss out on
people's talents and abilities and potential by denying them the
opportunity to rise to the occasion each time. Had I not allowed my son
to show what he could do in his room, I would have ended today tired and
grumpy about my having to do all the work to make the space livable.
Instead, I ended the day invigorated about young potential, and excited
to have a sidekick (or partner in crime, depending on your point of
view). It's an approach that could benefit every workplace, when dealing
with new and old employees alike. As I found out today, a little belief
can help just about anyone exceed expectations.
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