Lessons from the Littles

I have to say that my most meaningful lessons in confidence have come from working with kids. They taught me that the single most important thing to bring to the table is authenticity. I needed to be prepared, yes, but I also had to be willing to bring myself to our interactions. Not the actress but the playful, creative, and inquisitive part of myself the adult world had shamed into silence.

As long as I was “real,” present, and engaged the kids are right there with me. I could make, and laugh at mistakes (thereby freeing them to explore and err as well) and be flexible enough to adjust my plans if things were not going as planned.

The lessons the kids taught me extend to the adult world as well. I often treat adults as I would kids in keynotes and workshops I lead. The material is more complex, and there is more of it to engage with, but the same basic principles applies - be present, be genuine, and be playful.

If we can just tap that childlike spirit within one another, wonderful things happen. I’d love to hear your stories about how kids have inspired or taught you.

Jena

P.S. We’re better together, don’t you think?