Cats in the Cradle

Today is Father's Day. There's much talk about it. Children of all ages are seen to pay tribute to their role models who nurtured them along the way and made a lasting difference in their lives. There's gratitude. There's also remembrance of those who are no longer with us.

They say that parents are our guardian angels on earth. They guide us, they knock on our conscience every now and then and they are just there when we need them.

This is no different to the role that we as leaders need to play for our people. Our teams do not need prescription - but require nurturing, guidance, care and perhaps a nudge sometimes. And most importantly, just being there for them. I believe that all people are resourceful. They just need to be in the right job and it is our role to ensure they get to it. Once they are in the right place, there is hardly a need for carrots and sticks. The journey then becomes fun - in playing the role of a parent to nurture , coach and mould to bring out the best in individuals and teams. It then becomes an enriching journey to witness people grow, thrive and create beautiful things together.

Let's ask ourselves, what role do we play as leaders? Are we stuck in a relentless rat race, extreme prescription of our own needs to our teams or just too busy to spend adequate time to nurture?

In my time, I've seen the good, bad and the ugly. I've seen the leaders who are never available, the ones who detail to the last "t" on what they want to achieve and also the ones who have taken the time and effort to nurture me to the person I am. I've been lucky to have many leaders on the latter who have made me grow. To them, I am eternally grateful. I have created a bond with them that would last a life time and always remember them and are in touch although miles away.

I want to be the same. I want to use every moment to Nurture, Coach and support those around me to the best that I can. Easier said than done! But I know I will try.

The contents of Harry Chapin's song is not one we want to experience in our lifetime. Happy Father's Day everyone!