The Power of Fathers in the Lives of Sons (feat. My Dad)

I’m a grown man (most days), yet I still feel the absence of my father. He was a strong-willed and hardworking man; he gave sometimes long-winded but great advice. He could be hard on me at times, he was direct, but also loving. I think of the impact that had on me throughout my life. How that gave me courage, confidence, and direction. How he was a catalyst that challenged me, and instilled a sense of right/wrong, a pride in doing good work, a ‘get after it attitude,’ honesty, resilience and so much more.

?May 27th was my Dad’s birthday. He would have been 76 years old. He passed away at 62 from cancer. I share that because it has become abundantly clear to me over the last 13-years how important fathers are to their sons. (Photo: My Dad and I the day I got married.)

"...the single point of failure in a young man’s life is the loss of a male role model."

Recently, I listened to a podcast (4fitfatherhood) with @RoderickRichardII where it was said, the single point of failure in a young man’s life is the loss of a male role model. When this happens, data* shows a dramatic increase in the likelihood of addition, incarceration, self-harm, committing crimes, and dropping out of school. Women don’t show the same level of increased behaviors. Boys although physically stronger are mentally and emotionally weaker than women.

This reminded me of the importance of being a leader, not only at home, but in the corporate work environment. There are many things good fathers do for their sons, and I think the same can hold true for leaders in any organization.

"...belief in...potential is a powerful catalyst for confidence."

1. Create a Foundation of Confidence: Fathers instill a sense of security and self-worth in their sons. A father's belief in his son's potential is a powerful catalyst for confidence. This encourages boys to take risks and embrace challenges. As a leader of a business, I see how that also translates to a team, to create a sense of direction, security and confidence. For example, teaching that it is ok to make mistakes, but also coaching that one must own them and be accountable to grow from them. It’s not punishment, it’s opportunity.
2. Be a Guide or Role Model: Fathers provide a blueprint for masculinity and having integrity in their sons. By demonstrating values like respect, responsibility, and resilience, fathers shape their sons' understanding of what it means to be a good man and a productive member of society. By the same token, the same blueprint provided from a leader can positively impact a team. For example, being transparent with financial billing practices, creating an environment where being proactive matters, where caring for fellow people on the team and their wellness and wellbeing matters. For doing what you say you will do, when you say you will do it - matters.
3. Emotional Guidance: Fathers can offer crucial emotional support, teaching boys how to manage and express their feelings properly. This guidance in the realm of emotional intelligence helps sons develop positive emotional controls, enabling them to navigate relationships and life's ups and downs with grace and empathy. The same holds true in work environments. ?For example, guiding and encouraging teammates to face issues and conflict rather than avoid and masking it. And be willing be someone with a purpose to both understand (listen to) the other party’s concerns or frustration and do the very best to create a solve for it.

?Leadership lessons are everywhere. And when applied they can have substantial, if not life changing, impact.

*US Census Bureau 2023. Living arrangements with children under 18 years old. National Fatherhood Initiative 2024. Father Facts.