If You're a Parent, You're Already a Leader

As I'm sure many of you did today, I sent my youngest child back to school. First day of high school! 

There are a lot of similarities between parenthood and leadership. 

In both, there are often times when you're not sure what the hell you're doing. You get handed these little (or fully grown) people and think, 'what now??'.  You have to embrace the unknown,  acknowledge that you don’t know everything, and that you will make mistakes and guess what? That’s perfectly ok. 

As a parent and as a leader, you influence others. But after everything is said and done, your children and your team members are going to do what they want to do. And they are going to do it for their own reasons, some of which you may never understand. You have to accept that. 

It really does take a village. It takes family, friends, teachers and so much more to raise children. It’s the same with leadership, but in leadership it's important to create a village; a network of people (both inside and outside of your organisation/industry) who can learn from one another, offer guidance and encouragement and make each other laugh. 

Both are tough but rewarding gigs, and I hope this helps to navigate the difficult times, appreciate the great times and celebrate the amazing role that you play in other people's lives!