Leadership Development Fumble. Or Not.

A word about spankings and how to minimize mucking up the future executive or non-management colleague you’re unleashing on corporate America in about 15 years.

Because, guess what? It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we are raising future adults—people don’t grow up to be kids. You are not raising future children. 

Sooo then…about them spankings. 

BUCKING THE DEFAULT

In my view we want to instill a clear sense of right and wrong vs fear of authority and inability to stand up for themselves. And to avoid messaging that physical force is an acceptable way to obtain compliance. This models ineffective leadership strategies and behavioral choices and can damage future effectiveness and relationships. 

Know what I see too much of in my culture turnaround work? Individuals poorly socialized via techniques like this one, leaving them either too timid and overly mindful of authority (an innovative spirit impediment). Or, borderline bullies socialized to leverage brute force and harshness.

I was fortunate to be born with the fearlessness gene—which let me inform mom at the age of 9 that “I decide who Wendy is going to be not her thrashings.”

I was an impassioned, say-it-even-if-it-kills-you kid. With a mind of her own. Today I’m unafraid; curious; a strategic boundary-pusher, someone who stands squarely behind her mistakes when she makes them. An autonomous being. I feel competent and confident. Because mom listened. This informs my work powerfully. 

Anti-spanking/beating in the strongest way: it is a spirit killer and can teach that violence and punishment are primarily how you address infractions. Problematic. 

For the parent-leader, guess what type of career professional and future leader that’ll turn out? It is crucial to anticipate how overly strict parenting might affect our children, and to consider the ways corporal punishment potentially disadvantages the adult your child will become. Your ball. Your court.