I grew up in a family of three boys. But my married life has been filled with girls — my wife, daughter, and two granddaughters. My son‑in‑law and I have learned a lot about early childhood development.
At birth, they’re full of promise — much like new employees on their first day of work. And the similarities don’t stop there:
· Parents and managers both work hard to create a nurturing environment filled with care and support
· They stay attuned to subtle signs of growth without overwhelming them with too much information
· They balance mentoring and coaching, allowing room for discovery
· Like teaching a child to ride a bike, they learn when to let go
· They can’t prevent every learning “accident,” but they’re always watching for danger
· They learn to say no while still conveying care
· And like the family dinner table, they provide a safe place to return, recharge, and feel grounded
As much as we’d like development to be faster or more seamless, it takes time for people to learn what they need to know, develop their style, and grow into who they can become. They’re not born with all that — they have to earn it.
In the end, it’s about creating an environment that fosters growth and excellence. It’s about being a coach, not a disciplinarian. It’s about catching people doing things right. And letting them become who they want — and are capable — of being.
Be more like a parent than a manager today.
Donna Ball (born 1951): American writer of over 90 novels, mainly romantic novels since 1982, including A Year on a Ladybug Farm (where this quote came from).
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