Change – A Child’s Perspective
Mark and I decided to have the carpets cleaned in the house. After Jack went to bed, we cleared out three rooms of everything and piled stuff up in the kitchen and hallways, where there was no carpet. I was so curious to see how Jack would respond the next morning when he woke to find everything in different places and chaotic.
That next morning, the routine was essentially the same for him. I go to his crib and laugh when I find him jumping and dancing on his mattress. I change him to fits of playfulness and then a small tantrum as I choose not to put on the clothes HE wants. (where does he get this stubbornness? not I!?). I bring him downstairs to the chaos and what does he do? He literally starts clapping. Yes, I said clapping!! He ran about the main floor, laughing joyfully and clapping as his curiousity about the change forced him to explore corner after corner, with delight and humour.
In my work as a change management consultant, I work with leaders and their teams to help them find alignment. I facilitate agreement on the current state of business, the vision of the future and the steps for getting there. I use my expertise in emotional intelligence to observe and listen for values and belief systems that are often unshared or unconscious. I want my clients to learn what my son (likely most children) already possess – an innate curiosity! Jack reminded me that when something happens TO you, it isn’t always about you. He decided to not judge it and explore it with curiosity and amusement. I would imagine my clients would be delighted to learn that I am not teaching him… but he is teaching me.
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