What my kids taught me about business

My kids are young adults now so my parenting days are over although I continually worry about them (doesn’t every parent?). I’ve been reflecting on what I have learned from them when they were little and innocent and allowed me to cuddle them continuously.

Curiosity 

Being underexposed to social norms and with a lot to learn, children are intrinsically curious, always eager to explore and ask questions about the world around them. This innate curiosity encourages them to experiment and try new things, free from the fear of failure.  In business, we can learn a great deal from this mindset. Fostering a culture of curiosity within teams encourages a higher degree of innovation and creative problem-solving. Why? Because it is important to approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn, much like children do, to ensure that we remain adaptable and receptive to new ideas. 

Trying new things 

Imagine me desperately encouraging my children to try new vegetables, armed with creative tactics like calling broccoli “mini trees” or turning various vegetables into an aeroplane as it flies towards my child’s mouth. While my culinary enthusiasm might be met with scepticism, it highlights a fundamental truth: children often react better to new experiences with an adventurous spirit. In business, this willingness to try new things is crucial for self-development and becoming more versatile in the workplace. For example, just as kids might surprise us by discovering a love for a previously rejected food, employees can unveil groundbreaking ideas when encouraged to step out of their comfort zones. As a result, embracing a trial-and-error mindset in business can lead to unexpected successes and solutions, reminding us that taking risks is an essential part of growth and development. As I transitioned from a corporate career to a portfolio one, I have embraced this learning in many ways.

Creativity 

A child’s creativity is often boundless, fuelled by their uninhibited imagination and the freedom to express themselves without fear of judgement. This unfiltered approach to creativity is something we can learn from and implement in the workplace. For example, when children engage in play, they blend ideas and invent new scenarios without concern for practicality, which fosters innovation. Think elephants driving trains into space which often happened in my house. Similarly, encouraging employees to think outside the box and collaborate freely, can lead to fresh perspectives and inventive solutions. By creating a supportive environment that values creative thinking—whether through brainstorming sessions or workshops—organisations can tap into the vast potential of their teams, discovering more effective ways to work and navigate issues.