It’s common to all parents – the desire to help their kids succeed in their careers. Modeling behaviors that are essential to career success is a great way to encourage your kids to adopt these behaviors too. Think about the skills and attitudes I share below. How you can help your kids absorb and apply them?
1. Curiosity. I was a speaker at an event where Micky Pant, CEO of Yum, China (he was the CMO of Yum Brands at the time) also spoke. I had the opportunity to connect with him after our keynotes. We talked about the challenge for recruiting top talent and what he looks for in candidates. Although he went to the prestigious IIT in India, he told me he doesn’t look for a university pedigree or a transcript with all A’s. And he isn’t swayed by recommendations from CEOs or other leaders. He seeks out people who are curious. He told me that people who are curious are the best at solving problems and innovating, and that’s what business needs. He added that he never made a mistake hiring people who demonstrated curiosity in their interview.
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2. Inclusion. There has been so much written about the value of diversity in the workplace. Paul Block, the CEO of Merisant, put it this way: “People with different lifestyles and different backgrounds challenge each other more. Diversity creates dissent, and you need that. Without it, you’re not going to get any deep inquiry or breakthroughs.” “Employers need more inclusion-minded leaders today,” said Jennifer Brown, Author of Inclusion. “If parents can make positive discussions about diversity – of background, of identity – a core part of regular family dialogue, this will encourage kids to carry that valuing behavior with them, into their working lives – ultimately making them more effective, more hirable candidates for the world’s best companies. The good news is that the younger generations already embrace diversity and inclusion in a different, deeper way – it’s part of their generational DNA – but parents still play a critical role in reinforcing the benefits of thinking and behaving inclusively, with everyday choices – from the diversity of groups of friends to the diversity of media being consumed by families.”
3. Humility. No one likes a braggart or someone who thinks they are better than others. In a New York Times article, Rebecca Sabky, a former admissions director at Dartmouth, recounted the story of a particularly memorable application: “The student submitted a letter of recommendation from a custodian at his high school. The custodian wrote that he was compelled to support this student’s candidacy because of his thoughtfulness. This young man was the only person in the school who knew the names of every member of the janitorial staff. He consistently thanked the hallway monitor each morning and tidied up after his peers even if nobody was watching. This student, the custodian wrote, had a refreshing respect for every person at the school, regardless of position, popularity or clout.” The student was accepted despite having credentials similar to dozens of other candidates.
4. Generosity. According to psychiatrist Judith Orloff, MD, in an article in Psychology Today, "Generosity is a key element of emotional health and abundance." Generosity accelerates the free flow of everything positive in your life. Generously giving to those around you, and generously giving your kids time, support, and guidance, can be a great way to model this behavior for tomorrow’s workforce. Generosity is one of the most powerful qualities of a successful leader. According to Erika Andersen, in an article in Fast Company, “Generous leadership makes people feel capable, included, and motivated to succeed. It also makes them feel generous themselves. A generous leader is a powerful role model and catalyst for an open, honest, supportive organization.”
5. Global acumen. The world continues to shrink as technology makes it easier and easier to do business across the globe. According to PwC, one of the world’s largest professional services firms, global acumen is one of the five critical dimensions of successful professionals. They define it as the ability to operate and collaborate effectively, with a mind-set that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. It’s what they look for when they’re hiring new employees – and they are one of the top recruiters of talent each year. Increase your (and your kids’) global acumen by watching news on foreign channels on cable, diversify your circle of friends so you can learn from other cultures, plan a family vacation abroad, and discuss global issues at the dinner table (while eating dishes from around the world). Make global feel local.
6. Appreciation. According to Rick Foster and Greg Hicks in their book How We Choose to Be Happy, “Happy people actively exercise gratitude. They don't buy into what geneticists say, that we have an unmovable “happiness set-point.” The happiest people, according to behaviorists, can move beyond that biological set-point through practices such as gratitude. In the workplace, employing the habit of gratitude helps you build stronger bonds that are critical to career success. One of New York’s leading Executive Coaches (disclosure – she’s my business partner), Ora Shtull shared this: “I’ve always been fascinated by best-selling author Gary Chapman’s analysis of the five languages of love. I’ve discovered that four of them work perfectly to build deep connection in the workplace: Words, Time, Service, and Gifts. In other words, to build professional relationships, we can offer words of praise, spend time with colleagues, help others, and celebrate milestones. Needless to say, Chapman’s fifth language of love, physical touch, is not designed for the workplace. I say: Why not replace PDA (public display of Affection) with PDA: public display of Appreciation!? The more we overtly express appreciation, the stronger and more enjoyable our workplace relationships become.”
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7. Resilience. Life can be hard. Being able to bounce back like trees that bend in the wind is essential. Scott Bloom, Director of School Mental Health for the Department of Education in New York City said, “Resilience is one of the key emotional intelligence competencies and considered a leading factor that enables individuals to overcome life’s stressors. One strength that may add to and build upon one’s resilience is adaptive strategies: how a child adapts to new situations and new transitions in their life. The marked ability to recover from challenging situations like a divorce, moving to a new community or new school depends upon one’s resiliency. Supporting children through these new and challenging situations can bolster one’s resiliency. Research shows that having caring and supportive relationships, setting clear and consistent boundaries and providing opportunities for meaningful participation (e.g. after school programs, sports, arts, etc.) in activities are ideal ways to promote resiliency in children and youth.”
Trainer and consultant Jordan Friedman, who produces stress management programs and resources for companies and students, adds, “The best thing parents can do for their kids’ futures is to teach them organic stress reduction by creating a family life that balances work and school with uninterrupted fun and relaxation.” Friedman explains that “establishing a foundation of wellness for kids will help them survive and thrive in stressful work environments.”
To prepare your kids with the skills and behaviors they need to succeed, model these seven traits – seven days a week.
William Arruda is the cofounder of CareerBlast and author of 13 Things All Successful Professionals Do To Fuel Their Careers.
