Parenting isn’t just about raising children – it’s about Leadership. A parent “brings up and cares for another.” (Merriam-Webster) Whether we’re guiding our kids, colleagues, or communities, we are shaping future leaders and citizens.
From being parented to parenting my own children and supporting younger associates, relatives, and friends in various work and business environments, I now strongly believe in the connection between parenting and leadership.
Parenting is more than simply passing on biological DNA. One question often asked during Business Process Reengineering (BPR) interventions is, “What is your organisation’s DNA?” Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) carries the genetic information that determines the development and functioning of an organism. Similarly, an organisation’s DNA is the ethos comprising beliefs, values, behaviours, and attitudes that shape its success and sustainability.
Parenting, like leadership, plays a foundational role in shaping individuals and, by extension, society. It can be categorized into three primary groups:
- Biological Parents transmit genetic traits – whether by birth or adoption. They provide the initial experiences of sight, sound, perception, and belief. Biological parents instil values, plant perspectives, frame theories, and design a life compass, all while laying the foundation for identity.
- Institutional Parents, primarily recognised as educators, transfer knowledge and skills to expand awareness and personal growth. Whether at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level, educators reinforce or reshape beliefs, perspectives, and identity, helping to build a life compass.
- Societal Parents comprise leaders, mentors, counsellors, and coaches who inspire, influence and model behaviour. In alignment with John Maxwell’s definition of leadership as “the power to influence and motivate people to change, grow, and achieve common goals,” societal parents reinforce perspectives learned from previous stages and contribute significantly to personal and societal development.
Parenting and Leadership intersect at the societal level. Both nurture and reinforce behaviour for individual and collective growth.
Vision: The Core of Parenting and Leadership
At the heart of both parenting and leadership is vision – the ability to think about and plan for the future. Without a clear “Why?” and “How?” we want to parent or lead, and an understanding of “What?” we want to achieve, our efforts may lack direction. A well-crafted and communicated vision is essential for children, followers, mentees, and successors to align with and pursue.
In conclusion…
Parenting is the first level of Leadership, and Leadership is the final level of Parenting. While biological parents may bear the initial responsibility, institutional and societal parents play crucial roles in shaping individuals and society. Whether you’re influencing a child, a student, or an organization, your role in “parenting” extends far beyond the home.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Are you bringing up, caring for, inspiring, or influencing your biological, institutional, or societal children? How are you shaping the future?
Cheers,
StephREDD