Happy Father's Day to all of you who daily take a crack at being a Dad. Your calling is the most noble.
This post is dedicated to my amazing Dad Chuck Wall. I was not with my dad today as many miles separated us, but reflection was with me much of the day. As I sat in church this morning and listened to a powerful lesson for Dads, I just kept thinking that I hit the jackpot with my Dad. I shed a tear, cracked a wide open smile and got a belly full of laughter throughout the morning and it continued along the day. All of it at the hands of who my Dad is and what he means to me. He is a star to me and always will be. Obviously I decided to write about it and provide a few of the many lessons from Dad that have contributed to my fulfillment, leadership and life growth. All of these can enhance your existence in business and in life. I hope all Dad's find encouragement from this and even those of you who are not Dads yet. Even if you never have the chance or desire to be a Dad - you can apply these to your life and your leadership:
1) Even when you have little, you can give a treasure of love/encouragement and that is what grows your children.
2) Take the time to know your kids better than anyone. It will be from this knowledge that you know what they need most.
3) Advise them closely, but give them the margin to make the decision.
4) Pick up the phone (no matter how old they are) and ask them if anyone has told them they loved em' today? It does not matter if you were the first or not -- your call is the one that will make their day.
5) When you are too busy to talk or even very frustrated, always do your best to call them back and catch up when you have a better time.
6) Model generosity.
7) Laugh together, especially when you do not feel like laughing. Your kids will know how much effort that took you and they will shine from it.
8) Have a loving conversation with them within an hour of them getting married.
9) Hold them to a higher standard and be their biggest fan.
10) Encourage and affirm them.
I draw on #10 most of all as this is a treasure I receive from my Dad very often. I have over 50 emails saved, half a dozen voice mails (the others would not save that long) and more than 10 handwritten letters (some dating back 15 years ago). They always lift me up and help me believe I am better than I am. I have found that many Dads do not affirm their children. Just come out and tell them how much you love them.
Write your kids a surprise email, handwritten note or drop them a voice-mail this week. They will keep the email or note forever and the voice-mail will last as long as the bandwidth allows it. Giving the gift of encouragement will never reduce your Dad Brand!
This is a flavor from Dad following: my first blog post That's my boy....he knows what he wants to do, he knows who he wants to do it with and he loves both with a passion....his boss is Jesus Christ and his father is "Almighty God"....he is the best and most genuine freind one can have....and I am blessed beyond comprehension to be his Dad.
CWW
While not with my Dad today - it has been a superb Father's Day. After all, our closeness always has us together. I hope you will choose the same path...
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