Leadership Lesson from a Six Year Old

So, every night before "bedtime" my 6 year old runs to me with his "reader" and says, "OK, Dad, I'm ready to read, let's go." And dutifully...I go. I mean the kid never misses. It's clockwork. It's routine. It's breathing.

Then, it hits me. If I was half as committed to things as he was...

So, tonight, I observed. And, like the ever-learning leader I pretend to be, I got these 6 things out of it while we, I mean he, was reading.

One: When it's time to do something, just do it; just show up and do it. "Do you feel like reading tonight, son?" He answered in the most apathetic of tones, "not really, but I gotta finish this chapter."

Two: Concentrate; eliminate distractions. I asked him where he wanted to read. He said, "In your office, Rafe (younger brother) is not allowed in there."

Three: Shut up and listen. Now, for the record, my son didn't tell me to shut up. However, he did tell me to not help him sound out big words, "just listen and let me figure it out!"

Four: Repetition really is the mother of all skill. Half way through the reading, I break #3 (you know, shut up and listen) and say, "You're really doing better!" He replies, "Well, it seems like I'm reading the same words over and over, I'd be stupid if I wasn't getting better." I'm sure he was thinking, "Well, duh?"

Five: Learn the Basics. "Dad, did you ever have to read these kids books?" "Yes, son." "Cool, then I'll get to read big books one day, like you?"

Six: Partnerships are Priceless. "Dad, this is my favorite part of the day..." "What do you mean, son?" "I really like learning to read with you, I don't like doing it by myself."

Well, thanks God. Another reminder that I don't have it figured out...