I love watching my three-and-a-half year-old daughter meet and play with other kids.
A’esha is sensitive, yet still gregarious little girl who’s also a bit shy. In most instances, she quickly overcomes her tentative tendencies for the thrill of play. More than anything, she loves to interact with other kids. And it’s great to watch her do so.
Usually, A’esha watches and carefully chooses the kids she wants to play with. Her careful choices often lead her to kids that are kind, gentle and who want to enjoy playing with her. And after the introductions are out of the way, she just runs off and enjoys herself with her new friend.
Of course, it’s not always easy for her. Like the rest of us, she’s learning what it’s like to interact with different kinds of people – some troubled and not very nice. But she approaches those interactions with grace and curiosity rather than judgment. She doesn’t shun mean kids. She just chooses not to play with them. And later, she’ll ask mom and I about the kids that say and do mean things. No judgment, just learning.
A’esha has one close friend who is 15 months older. They play perfectly together. No struggles. No issues. No push-pull. They each take turns letting the other lead. They share toys. They dress-up together like fairies or mermaids and enter each other’s world of imagination. It’s quite remarkable to watch.
I’ve learned so much from watching my daughter with other kids. Her ease and acceptance has taught me a great deal about building relationships around my business. And I try to carry some of these traits into my business relationships. Things like:
- Be nice: Mainly, there’s just few reasons not to be.
- Be honest: You’ll both know something’s off if you’re not.
- Be open: Sometimes people will surprise you with what they have to teach you.
- Be creative: There really is more than one way.
- Be caring: Your clients will feel it when they know you sincerely care about their needs.
- Be real: Remember, along with being a professional, you’re also a person.
- Be giving: There’s little reason to hold back from sharing what you know – it will pay in the end.
- Be fun: Likely, you’re in business because you love what you do – share and show it.
- Be consumed: Get lost in ‘the play’ of your working with people. Then come back when your time with them is done.
- Be humble: If you’re truly great at what you do, it never needs to be said.
- Be kind: Even with people who are not kind to you.
- Be excited: Little is more valuable then letting your passion flow.
And…be memorable. Striving to live these twelve qualities has led me to relationships – business and personal – that are beyond any of my expectations. I’m just grateful that I get to learn them from such as lovely teacher.
UPDATE: Michele added a quality in her comments on my blog and I couldn’t leave it off:
- “Be discerning: If a relationship (business or otherwise) generates negative energy or regresses from a relationship to a one-way street, perhaps it’s time to drop that relationship and re-focus your energy on more positive pursuits.”
I know this list is only a beginning. I’d love to hear what you’ve learned about relationships from watching kids?
Hi, I’m Dawud Miracle. Professionally, I’m a blog and marketing consultant, business coach, educator and web developer who helps people use their websites to grow their business. I’m also a devoted husband and father to two, soon to be three, children. Please let me know if I can help you in any way.