Warning: This post opens with a words from a proud parent.
Promise: The post ends with an important urging and reminder for all of us.
Last night my son Parker directed the first performance of his one act play, Mr. Feather. He wrote, cast, produced and directed this play. It was fabulous!
His was one of 7 “Final Acts” written, directed and acted by his classmates at Pike High School. While I don’t know every kid involved, it is easy to be impressed and proud. As I marvelled at the quality and the variety of the mini plays, I couldn’t help thinking about these kids – Parker included – showing their talent, creativity, and to the point of this blog, leadership.
This was the tenth year that Pike has done a Final Acts show – ten years of letting kids do more than act in someone else’s play, but creating and leading them themselves.
You probably don’t lead children, and you may or may not have any children (or any Parker’s age). None of this matters. I hope you see the message in this story.
People are ready and able to lead and do more than we think. Give them skills, give them encouragement. More importantly, give them a chance.
To develop others we must give them opportunities.
I urge you to think about those you lead and ask yourself who is ready and for what?
I believe in our world filled with discussion of delegation and succession planning and empowerment, we lose sight of the underlying human principle at play. It is time to let people apply themselves and their talents. As leaders this is one of our most important roles, to let people have the chance to grow and succeed.
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