My kids are at the stage where they’re still asking for permission to go to the bathroom.

That will change.

When it does, I want to be ready for a chat on family leadership.

As a young man, I was a passionate believer in advancement based on merit. Merit being (solely) a function of competence and output. This suited me because what I lacked in tact was overcome by effort. I’m guessing most teams have members with weaknesses that are overcome by high output.

When we ask the world to judge us solely on output, we’re setting ourselves up for problems.

We are going to find most people confusing. This confusion will manifest in our families and relationships.

What’s my emotional output?

1. How do people feel after they interact with me?
2. How do I treat people that have no recourse against me?
3. Do I stand ready to do what I’m asking you to do?

Thinking back to how I would have answered these 25 years ago…

1. I don’t care
2. No idea
3. I use other people’s time and money to accomplish my goals – they are free to do what they want

I’ve found a large return from small adjustments.