Leadership lessons from Mom

Some of our earliest and most valuable leadership lessons come even before we really know what the word means.

 

Lessons that our mothers teach us can often be minimized by seemingly more important business school courses, buzz-words and flavor-of-the-month programs introduced by human resource consultants, and the latest list of “10 things all great leaders do” found daily in social media. But as I look back, I realize that my mother instilled some beliefs and values that I draw upon so often:

 

“If you work twice as hard, you learn twice as much.” This was my mother’s response to my whining that kids made fun of me because I was different in school. She told me that because I was a girl, and I was Chinese, I could expect to have to work harder than other kids. She was right, on all counts.
 
“Always pay attention to the kids who are ignored.”  As I have spent a career building teams, nothing can be more relevant. The people who are passed up are often the ones who have most to offer. Listen to them, give them a shot, and watch them blossom.
 
“Remember to say thanks.”  Taking the time to thank someone who helped make something happen is perhaps the most important (and most often forgotten) act in business. Every time you succeed, it’s because someone helped make it happen. It costs nothing, and goes a long way.
 
“Do what you love.”  Although it may be impractical to spend your life walking on a beach, take time for yourself, and invest in your passions. No one else will do it for you, and you will be a better, happier person for having done that. You will also be a good role model for others who are watching.
 
“Practice, practice, practice.”  This was usually on the topic of music lessons, but it applies to everything. Be outstanding in what you do, and no one can argue with your rewards. There are no shortcuts to success – you get what you sweat for.
 
“Celebrate, and be humble.”  As paradoxical as this may seem, they are equally important. A pat on your own back is necessary to continue to have/give confidence, but no one likes to be around someone who loves himself too much.  The better you are, the less you need to let people know it.
 

So thank you, Mama, for the life lessons that you gave to me, and passed on to your grandchildren. You live on in all who you touched, and beyond.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!