Your impact

The Abiding Fathers blog is a collection of works from our founder, Bill Dotson, along with stories from guest bloggers, providing help for Christian men and all types of fathers.

Recently, we came across one of The L Group’s leadership letters that provides practical help for Christian dads by looking at the impact of our actions on kids.

The more I lead, the more I work with leaders, and the more I parent, the more I see compelling parallels between leadership and parenting. Leaders are parents, and parents are leaders. They are in different settings with parallel roles.

Parenting and leadership

Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D. wrote this poem, Children Learn What They Live. As you read it below, replace the word children, with employees, and the connection between parenting and leadership is abundantly clear.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

12 secrets

If your employees (kids) could share 12 simple secrets with their leaders (parents), they would be:

1. Keep Things in Perspective
2. Accept Us
3. Be Real
4. Talk with Us
5. Create Connections
6. Be Consistent
7. Expect the Best
8. Encourage Us
9. Spread Gratitude
10. Take Care of Yourself
11. Be Present
12. Live What You Teach

Listen to your employees (kids) and apply these insights to build a stronger team (family).