In early 2013, our son Carl was 16 years old and wanted to get a car; not just any auto but specifically a BMW 3 series coupe. Because teaching work ethic and reaping rewards from hard work was important to our parenting style, we offered to provide the vehicle for Carl but insisted that he get a job and pay us back over time. Carl quickly found a job bagging groceries at the local QFC and repaid the loan in full. He also enrolled in the Running Start program and got one year of college under his belt before graduating from high school. Fast forward four years to the present, Carl graduated Magna Cum Laude last weekend with a master’s degree and will start working for an awesome accounting firm next month.
Realizing the magic of determination
While nobody wants to struggle in life, learning to overcome adversity develops an indomitable spirit and strong character. Looking back on Carl’s life journey thus far, I quickly came up with three examples of how dogged determination built an amazing human being.
- At the age of five, Carl had difficulty communicating verbally and with the help of an incredible Learning Disabilities Specialist (Dr. Cindy Dupuy, Ph.D.) discovered how his brain worked and more importantly learned to overcome both verbal and cognitive difficulties to do well in school and life. #HardWork!
- While playing select youth baseball, Carl often struggled as a hitter but was always one of the hardest working kids on the team. During the final day of a tournament in Cooperstown, NY, Carl came into his own as a hitter, crushing three home runs. #NeverGiveUp!
- While a sophomore in college, Carl was in a horrible car accident; hitting a stalled truck/trailer on I90 while going 70 mph. Recovering from the ensuing traumatic brain injury took Carl off the Dean’s List but he patiently invested more hours in studying. #MagnaCumLaude!
Lessons learned from Carl that apply in the real world of business
- Work ethic is coachable. If we did one thing right as a parent, it was to teach our kids that a strong work ethic goes a long way. For those of you who struggle with the millennial workforce, be patient and relearn how to develop your team. Think differently, it’s not about you!
- Determination is the X factor. Water doesn’t boil at 208 degrees. Learn to embrace the grind and be patient throughout the process of developing potential. Eventually, you’ll metaphorically get to the boiling point if you don’t give up. Building a #LegacyCompany takes time.
- Reward hard work and accomplishment. During Carl’s last semester, he went fly fishing as a reward after studying hard for his final exams; and sent me a photo of a 19” rainbow trout as proof. Don’t forget that “work” can and should be fun too! How are you integrating fun at your company?