Parental Leadership: 5 Principles for Success at Home...and at Work

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Justin Storm, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

I recently had a conversation with one of my colleagues on the challenges of parenthood. We were sharing the common struggles that exist in most households. As the conversation developed and deepened it became clear that the struggles we face at home are similar to the struggles we face at work. We concluded that if we were successful leaders in the home then being so in the workplace would come naturally. In other words, a successful parental leader will be a successful business leader.

Why is this? We first need to understand how these two groups are similar. Both family and business organizations deal with people and human systems. Both consist of varying personality types, strengths and weaknesses, and sensitivities. These differences make the unit successful but also challenging.

Business organizations have segmentation around roles and responsibilities. Each department (Marketing, Engineering, Operations, Human Resources, and Sales) has strengths that lead to the success of the organization. Unfortunately, these groups do not always see eye to eye and arguments and disagreements often ensue.

This same dynamic plays out in a family unit: Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister have strengths and weaknesses. They also have adopted household roles and responsibilities (these may be spoken or unspoken). Skill levels vary based on past experience but each contributes, in their own way, towards a successful household. Unfortunately these family members do not always see eye to eye and arguments and disagreements often ensue.

How do we successfully navigate the challenges of parenthood and family? By implementing the same principles that make a business organization successful.

Below are five principles that I have used to create a more successful, synergistic, and happy home:

Shared Vision: Why do we do what we do? People have a natural need to know the purpose behind their actions. Clearly stating the vision of what the family is trying to achieve gives purpose and clarity behind the work required. A successful parental leader facilitates the creation of a vision and is responsible for providing the right environment for the achievement of that vision. The setting of goals would be a natural extension of this vision process.

Roles and Responsibilities: Once vision is understood then the group will need to be clear on roles and responsibilities. The more up front discussion that is had on roles, the less room there is for disagreement and argument down the road.

Planning: Vision achievement does not just happen. It is a deliberate, intentional, and active process that requires discipline and planning. Weekly and daily planning are necessary for the achievement of family vision and goals.

Think Win-Win: Along the way there will be a great deal of discussion and collaboration required. People will not agree and emotions will run high. We must listen, empathize and be creative in finding the best solution. Don’t give in too early thinking it is a win-lose scenario. Search for something that will work for all parties involved. This will likely be better than what we would have come up with on our own.

Distributive Leadership: Don’t do it all yourself. It will wear you down. Remember, we all have strengths and weaknesses. Identify the strengths of each individual and let them lead. Doing it all may seem selfless but it is actually selfish. Distributive leadership, allows others to grow and develop. In the end, the unit will be better off as a result.

Often times, we segregate our family and work lives into completely different worlds. In some respects they are different but in many respects they are very similar. Both are human systems striving for a common purpose. Apply the principles that work in one environment to benefit the other. Such cross pollination will yield beautiful results that truly matter.