Do you remember the movie Three Men and a Baby? It’s about three single men who take on the difficult task of caring for a baby for the first time in their lives. While one of the guys struggles to put a diaper on the baby, he says something like, “I’m an architect! I build 50-story skyscrapers. I can put a diaper on!” Although his first try is a disaster, he inevitably figures it out. His pep talk was right, though. He has a tremendous amount of skills that make him successful in his career. Many of those same skills can be used at home.
When parenting, you bring a lot to the table. Think about the many work skills you could be using to raise your kids. Here are 7 skills you are using at work that you should use more at home.
1. Organization
Every professional role is going to require some form of organization to be successful. Your skills here could be beneficial. Developing a system and structure will give your kids the stability they desire.
2. Creativity
This is me here. I always say it’s my weak point when it’s time to be creative at home. Yet, I make my living from creating, with writing. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
3. Communication
When you are successful at work, your communication is usually the foundation. Use these skills with your kids, your child’s mother—to lead conversations among them.
4. Operations
Maybe you are responsible for how your department operates at work. Yet perhaps when you are home, you are perfectly content being passive. Focus and take initiative to make sure things at home are running smoothly.
Focus and take initiative to make sure things at home are running smoothly.5. Finance
If this is your thing at work, use the skills at home. Take the same care and concern for your family’s plan as you do for your company’s checkbook and financial plan.
6. Training
Are you responsible for employee training? Use the same skills to help train your kids. Train them in doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, doing laundry, managing finances, and anything else age-appropriate.
7. Problem Resolution
I’m certain you are one of your company’s best problem solvers. When problems arise, you jump into problem-solving mode. You get the necessary feedback and then move forward with suggestions followed by actions. Do the same at home. Make sure you listen first though.
Sound off: What are some other skills from work you could bring into the home?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is one thing you want to learn how to do this year?”