The Indispensable Father and the Leader!!

“The fathers have eaten a sour grape and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”?(Jeremiah, Book 31, Verse 29)

“When fathers are actively involved with their children, children do better,” explains?Paul Amato, a sociologist who studies parent-child relationships at Pennsylvania State University. “Research suggests that fathers are important for a child’s development.”

Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s?cognitive?and?social?development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and?self-confidence.?Fathers, like mothers, are pillars in the development of a child’s emotional well-being. Children look to their fathers to lay down the rules and enforce them. Research on Motherhood has dominated the past but now there have been many pieces of research done on the?Father effect?as well which is now objective and documented Phenomenon.The effect is immense in the presence of Father but presence alone is not enough but the?quality?of time spent is much more important than the?quantity?of time.

The characteristic which one develops in any of the roles in their life whether in personal or work life surely impacts other areas as well. Thus when I see any of the definitions of leadership and see from a father’s point of view, it does not seem to be different. Few definitions below which are common to both Fathers and a Leader in an organization who are Indispensable part of different families.

Leadership is not wielding Authority-It’s empowering people – Becky Brodin

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality – Warren G. Bennis

The size of the Leader is determined by the depth of the convictions, the height of his ambitions, the breadth of his vision, and the reach of his love – D.N. Jackson

There are different attributes which are common to a Father and a Leader and those are many but some of the most important qualities for being an effective dad can be especially useful when leading a team or an organization. Let me list down my top 5 of them which helps one to become highly effective in their Journey of life.

1. Vision

For a father, the first glimpse of his child is one of the most beautiful and magical moments imaginable. As he holds his child for the first time, a wave of emotions unfolds, but amidst it all, a vision begins to take shape. A father envisions a future for his child, recognizing their unique potential and natural gifts, and commits to supporting them in achieving their aspirations.

Similarly, visionary leaders possess the ability to see beyond the present, identifying opportunities and resources that benefit both their team and the organization. They are persuasive, charismatic, and emotionally intelligent, capable of articulating a compelling vision for the future and guiding others on the path to achieve it.

??2. Trust

In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey introduces the concept of the Emotional Bank Account. He compares it to a financial account where we make deposits to build a reserve we can draw upon when needed. In relationships, these "deposits" are acts of courtesy, kindness, honesty, and keeping commitments. Over time, they build trust, creating a strong reserve that can help sustain the relationship even when mistakes occur.

When trust is high, communication becomes effortless, instant, and effective. However, just like a financial account, if deposits are not consistently made, the reserve depletes, leading to the deterioration of the relationship. This principle underscores the importance of continuous effort in nurturing trust in every relationship.

3. Empowerment

Empowerment is about inspiring and encouraging those around you, and I believe fathers play a crucial role in this journey. A father’s responsibility is to gradually empower their child by understanding and anticipating what they need and when they need it, building the confidence to navigate life successfully. True empowerment involves allowing mistakes to happen, investing in the necessary skills, being transparent, sharing responsibilities, and distributing power. This fosters the freedom to make decisions and develop the competence to pursue any task with purpose.

Similarly, leaders have the same responsibility toward their team members. By empowering their teams, leaders enable a sense of impact, encourage innovation, and help build confidence, fostering an environment where individuals can truly make a difference.

4. Integrity

Integrity is defined as the “quality of being honest and consistent with strong morals and values.” Children observe their parents’ behavior far more closely than most realize. To nurture a child’s integrity, it is crucial to articulate and live by family values consistently. A man of integrity plays a vital role in modeling these principles, setting an example that guides the child’s moral development.

Similarly, leaders who uphold their morals, values, and honesty inspire those around them in profound ways. Demonstrating integrity consistently draws people to you because they recognize your principled nature and trust you to behave ethically, no matter the circumstances.

If you don’t?value?YOUR?values,?YOU?will not be Valued -Divesh

5. Courage

There are many moments in life when a father foresees risks and takes courageous decisions to help his child achieve their aspirations. A father’s courage often lies in crafting a meaningful life—one that aligns with personal values and creates a positive impact on their child.

“Courage is not about being fearless; it’s about making brave decisions despite fear.”-Mark Twain

Similarly, leaders inspire others by managing risks effectively and making confident decisions. As Aristotle wisely said, “Courage is the first virtue because it makes all other virtues possible.”

In The Courage Map by Franziska Iseli, she emphasizes that “Committing to courage means making a plan to grow and taking action. Understand your goals, identify the areas in which you want to become more courageous, and focus on mastering one or two areas at a time before moving on to new challenges.”

Life demands that individuals juggle multiple roles and responsibilities daily—father, leader, or otherwise. While perfection in every role may seem overwhelming, it becomes more achievable and meaningful when one identifies their Core Val-YOU. This alignment of personal values serves as a guiding compass, empowering you to inspire and lead in all facets of life.