Management a 4th Grader Can Understand: Incentive, Consequence and Clear Instructions
I wanted to take a brief detour from my typical topics, and share a simple, real-life example of how to use incentive, consequence and clear instructions. This is effectively – management. However, you may find there are some elements of leadership principles sprinkled through-out (yes, it’s not just semantics – they are different).
Situation: My 4th grade daughter wanted to conduct a science experiment for the science fair. She’d done so each year since 2nd grade. In 2nd grade, she received a lot of help from Mom. In 3rd grade, she really didn’t put effort in and performance showed – I didn’t want 4th grade to be a repeat. So, leadership sprinkle #1: I devised a plan to give her ownership, and enable her. I outlined my expectations of her, the support she’d receive, and the consequences and reward for potential outcomes. In fact – we did so very clearly, and we printed it out for her to look at.
Action: Below is the exact guidance she was given.
Yes, this was what I gave my 8 year old, 4th grader. While a bit intense at first; it’s rather clear – is it not? What did this do? Well, maybe we should take a look at what it did NOT do first:
- The guidelines did not tell her HOW to do the experiment
- The guidelines did not even tell her WHAT her experiment would be
- The guidelines did not dictate any SUBJECTIVE stylings (other than school required scientific method delivery and poster board)
What DID it do?
- Provided parameters – she had room to operate and make her own her decisions
- Provided a clear incentive
- Provided a clear and fitting consequence
Ultimately – it gave her enough guidance to know where she could make decisions and where she was held by constraints. It also let her feel like she OWNED the project, and she wasn’t just following detailed instructions to complete someone else’s project (hint: this creates buy-in, and typically greater dedication – that’s leadership sprinkle #2).
Result: Not only did my daughter LIVE by that guideline, she used it to hold ME accountable for the resources and support I promised (leadership sprinkle #3 – you owe your team members the support you promise, and they should never feel apprehensive to call that option). She completed the project, with $13 to spare. Not only did she complete the project, and receive a grade of “4”, but she took 1st place overall for all grades with her project.
You know what else happened – as I sprinkle in the fourth and final leadership mention? When she received the grade and award, she knew she OWNED it; SHE completed it and she EARNED the recognition. It was hers, and nobody could deny her that feeling or recognition. Nobody did it for her – and that is important.
Your thoughts, comments and feedback are always welcomed!
Leader-Team-Organization Development | Veteran Advocate | Public Speaking | U.S. Army Veteran
4 年i bet you had to explain a few terms - part of your learning objective ? or icing on the cake?
Leader-Team-Organization Development | Veteran Advocate | Public Speaking | U.S. Army Veteran
4 年no ice cream cones! no trophies for participation, "Own it ", "Ask for help" "Your project" love it!
Director, Special Projects - Black Ice AI; Intelligence Professional
6 年great article, Damien!
Love this. I have a college friend who had a dad who did this sort of thing with all three of his kids. The skills to think through and frame their goals have been invaluable. Two of his children went to art school, one did not go to college at all. All three are extremely successful entrepreneurs, none have side-stepped their (seemingly impractical) original dreams, and all make a significant income. Even the artists. One makes a six-figure sum as......a puppeteer! He never ever talked them out of what they were interested in, he always insisted on an articulated practical plan and intended outcomes. They learned how to create a practical way to go about doing impractical things and each mastered it. Btw their dad had only a HS education - He went into the military to support family and younger sibs because his own dad died. He later became a very successful entrepreneur. (My own dad is a vet too but not at all a planner,so I may have to print this out for my own use!) ??
Connecting high-level business owners with a trusted circle to tackle real challenges and achieve greater success | Becoming Kinetic Mastermind | Speaker, Coach, Connector
7 年Outstanding story and example that applies to all managers and leaders. Thank you for sharing!