Shaping our Children’s Lives-3 Business Philosophies that Instill Leadership in our Kids
Shaping our children, in a positive way, sometimes takes patience and fortitude. As a father of three wonderful young adults, age’s 13-17; never has a day gone by where an opportunity to shape their lives hasn’t presented itself. But what philosophies and values are important to instill in the minds of our children?
Like our own personal lives, business is driven by certain overall core beliefs, what is key about those beliefs is that they generally stem from a single person’s individual values. When you look at private sector business, core beliefs don’t begin with the cashier at the front register, they trickle down from the very top, typically from an owner or CEO. This same scenario holds true for the Home Business owner as well. As the CEO, your core values drive what you do, what you believe, decisions you make and ultimately how your customers view YOU.
Shaping our children’s lives is no different. Values and beliefs must start from the top, parents, guardians or mentors, and trickle down to the level where the rubber meets the road, our Kids. Leadership skills are not given at birth; they are developed over time, slowly molding us into the person we want to become. By providing these values and skills to our kids, you build and protect the future of “Business” in our world.
The 3 P’s of Business Builds Leadership in our Children.
No matter what business you are in, ultimately your success hinges on the values you instill in people. Let’s look at 3-Core Business values that could help influence our kids towards leadership and success.
Purpose:
The dictionary says Purpose is -
"The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal."
Where would we be if not for purpose? Purpose drives everything we do; from the moment we wake up to the moment our head hits the pillow. If our actions were not for a purpose, what point would there be to living?
Teaching kids the meaning of purpose helps them to evaluate why they choose the path they do. Example: My daughter recently became involved in the Debate Team at school. When I asked her why she joined, she said, “All my other friends are in it Dad.” I didn’t roll my eyes at her, but I asked her what she thought the purpose of a Debate Team was. Not knowing the answer, I shared my thoughts with her. Debate is about sharing opposing views, but in reality it helps develop a person’s speaking and reasoning skills, better preparing them for real life situations.
For Kids, understanding the purpose behind their actions opens their minds to the possibilities of what life can bring.
Passion:
Passion is the second “P” of Business philosophy that I enjoy sharing with my kids. In a nut shell, Passion means, “an emotion compelling action.” When you understand what purpose you are striving for, Passion will then set the wheels in motion.
Being passionate about what you do brings meaning to your life and fosters commitment and determination in every action you take.
By helping your kids to understand what passion brings to the table, you allow them to discover their true strengths and talents. Combining purpose and passion brings them one step closer to realizing their full potential.
Persistence:
Persistence may be the last “P” but it is the most important value to share with your kids. You can understand your purpose, have passion about following it, but with out persistence, reaching your goals may never happen.
In business, persistence is the key ingredient to a long term, successful venture. It’s what keeps us moving forward, no matter what obstacles arise. Persistence pushes us to our outer limits, exposing our true potential, bringing us one step closer to realizing our dreams.
It is easy to give up, that is what human nature tells us to do. Kids are no different. When the going gets tough, they move on to a new path, missing the chance to better themselves or learn life long lessons. When you give your kids the motivation to persist, no matter what the outcome or obstacle, you teach them the fundamentals for a successful life.
The future of business is in the hands of our kid’s. The foundation you give them now, prepares them to meet success head on. Take every opportunity to instill Purpose, Passion and Persistence in their lives, and watch them mold into the leaders of tomorrow.
To Your Kid's Success,
Learn more about the Witt Family
business, home business, leadership in Home Business, Work from Home
Reader Comments (16)
Great article, Mike. As a former teacher and coach, I couldn't agree with you more. I've been preaching this for years. I believe the lessons learned as a child have a huge impact on what we become as an adult.
Your article brings up my pet peeve. The "No Child Left Behind" nonsense completely disregards what you said here. If kids don't get the 3 P's at home, where will they get them? It certainly won't be at school. Public Education is way to concerned about 2+2 and the resulting test scores. Beware of the best laid plans of our government.
Nicely done!
Well done Mike. You are obviously a great dad! My children are only 7 and 4, but with all that is going on in the economy, I have been talking to my 7 year old about financially responsible. He understands the importance of not going into debt and the value of money. In fact, he is saving his money for college - smart boy!
Having a home business, your children get to see your commitment to your work firsthand (as well as your commitment to your family, although there are times I would love to have fewer interruptions:). It is a wonderful message to share with your children.
Thanks and best wishes,
Cindy
Great philosophy! I think your 3p system is a great way of facilitating your children's success. I don't have kids,but if I did I would wait until they're older to see what their interest are. Then I would gradually assist them with the responsibilities of adult life so that they will be independent and responsible,but happy doing what they love.
This is just my opinion of what I would if I had my own children. I forgot to add this.
Hey Mike great article. Thanks for contributing so much to the community:)
Good article Mike,
As a trauma nurse I work closely with entire family groups during times of acute crisis. Sometimes I have to go sit down and shake my head because I see some adults as children raising children. It's pretty scary. Hats off to you for reminding all of us that instilling good values and habits begins the day a child is born.
Hey Mike,
Loved that article / post. I Totally agree with you that we cannot expect the school system to teach our kids what they REALLY need to know about how to succeed in today's world.
I have one teenage son and I'm trying to teach him about having his own business as opposed to grooming him to get a good job. I really don't believe there is such a thing as a good job as, no matter how much you earn at a job, you're still trading your time for money and will never achieve true financial freedom doing that.
Keep up the great work. Thanks.
Chris
http://www.Make-Money-Rapidly.com
Hi Mick,
Thank you for your wonderful comment, I hear exactly what you are saying. My kids have had some great mentors in school, but as parents, we believe kids get the most impact from the people they are surrounded by at home.
Great to meet you, I appreciate you taking the time to comment,
Thanks,
Mike Witt
Hi Cindy,
I appreciate your comment a great deal, it has been nice getting to know you these last few weeks.
I know your kids are still young, I remember those days, such fun. Young kids are great molds to work with, they soak things up like spounges.
Teaching our kids the foundation's, like money, business, social etiquette, really helps prepare them for the times when we can't be there to help.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, if you need a babysitter, let me know, I need to get away from the Iowa cold :-).
Mike Witt
Hi Erica,
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate that very much. Even if you don't have kid's of your own, there are plenty of young people out there who need guidence and love from those who can give it.
Volunteering at your local Y, or church youth group can connect you with kids who need that mentor or guide. Sometimes it's even more satisfying when you can affect a young person you don't even know, just by showing you care.
Thanks again, nice to meet you,
Mike Witt
Hi Steve,
Thank you for the comment and stopping by, very much appreciated. I am glad that I can help, connecting with people that have the same passions and goals is what it is all about.
Thanks again, nice to meet you as well,
Mike Witt
Hi Scott,
Great comment, thank you for that. You have a tough job, I can only imagine what you see in a day's time.
You are right, it is never too early. Kid's learn fast, and once they get to a certain age, independence takes over and it can be much harder.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, nice to meet you,
Mike Witt
Hi Mike,
Thank you for a great post. Our children are grown now and raising their own families. We had a small offline business while they were growing up and they learned through our purpose, passion and persistence on making our business succeed. They are living their lives with this same philosophy contributing to their communities and to lives of others and are successful because of it.
Unfortunately we see far to many just going through life and still wondering why and where they are going. Your children are so very fortunate to have a great Dad that helps them think things through and to approach life differently.
They too will become very successful.
Thank you again,
Angela James
Hi Angela,
Thank you for the wonderful comment and sharing of your families story, I appreciate that very much. At the end of the day, everything falls into place when you know your kids are on the right path.
You are testimony to that and I am sure that your kids will also instill the 3-P's with their children, knowing the benefit they received learning from you.
My wife also plays a big role, I can't take all the credit, and together we make a bigger difference in their lives.
Thanks again for taking the time to leave your note, nice to meet you.
Mike Witt
That is a very good tip...Mike. As a new parent, THANK YOU!!
Tony (tonycblogs.blogspot.com)
Hi Tony,
Thank you for the nice comment, I appreciate that very much. Great also to hear from a new Parent, congratulations!!!!
Making a difference in the lives of our kids is THE most rewarding thing in life for a parent.
Thanks again for stopping by, nice to meet you,
Mike Witt