Bringing Your Kids to Work

Greetings.  By now, most of you have probably heard about the creative air traffic controller who brought his children to work–quite literally–at JFK International Airport in New York.  He actually let them direct several airplanes taking off and landing.  By most accounts he was giving them clear guidance on what to tell the pilots, but the whole episode failed to strike a humorous cord with the authorities (not to mention members of the traveling public who have enough reasons to be uneasy about flying).  And it also didn't help those of us who regularly encourage grown-ups to bring kids to their workplaces.

Needless to say, the job of air traffic controller requires a high degree of training, technical skill, and experience.  This is no place to fool around, even if it makes for an award-winning presentation at your elementary school's "Show-and-Tell." But for those of us who aren't directly involved in making life and death decisions, it's important to also think about the real benefit of bringing young people into our offices, factories, warehouses, call centers, training rooms, delivery routes and out into the field.  Because kids tend to show up at most places and situations without any preconceived notions about the best (or only) way to do things.  As a result, they are often able to see things we take for granted very differently, ask important questions, and identify a world of new possibilities.  And when we take the time to look at our world with their fresh set of eyes, we are often more able to innovate and unlock better approaches to addressing old problems and opportunities.  

We win in business when we approach our greatest challenges with the curiosity and openness of a child.  And in doing so, rediscover the innate genius we were born with.  Maybe it is time to start asking kids for their insights, except when it comes to landing an airplane.  

Cheers and have a safe and childlike weekend!

P.S.  Eager to learn more about the special gifts we all possessed as children and how you can put them to use to enhance innovation in your organization?  If so, now might be a great time to read "Lessons from the Sandbox."