Here we are, Cape Community – it’s back-to-school time! The summer memories are recorded in our hearts, as we set our sights on gobs of tasks to get life back on track for the big year-end push!
Already I’ve been vicariously inspired by my youngest of four. After his first day in class, Nicolas, my four-year-old son, came home and was so delighted and honored about the fact that Hayley, a new girl in the school, had asked him a very simple yet powerful question:
“Can we be friends?”
It got me to thinking, “Wow, what a great question!”
The challenge kids face going back to school and evaluating what they want from their friends is becoming increasingly clear to me as I compare the scenario to life in the corporate workplace. It seems to me that, these days, adults and kids alike spend too much time focused on what they don’t particularly care for about one another, putting wedges between themselves and others. Sadly, so much relationship opportunity is lost.
In the business world, where I serve in a Human Resources and Executive Coaching capacity, I see so many people who go “underground” with what they want or need from others, especially when their needs are not met. Wouldn’t it be neat if we were to ask our colleagues at work or acquaintances in adult life, “Hey, I like you; can we be friends? Can we have a productive and trusting relationship?” My hypothesis is that, if we were to ask such candid questions of one another, the world might run a heck of a lot smoother with far fewer hurt feelings. And the real key to the kingdom lies in defining ground rules if the friendship or partnership has somehow been violated.
For Nicolas, I hope he and Hayley can indeed be friends, be kind to and supportive of one another. If/when that friendship gets off track, my wish is that they can use their words to talk about how they feel and get back to their higher ground of friendship and trust where their intent is to HELP – not HURT – one another, always. If they and all their friends Wear their Capes this year, along with parents, teachers and coaches, they’ll all show each other the way to a happier world.
Yours in kindness,
Leigh Ann
P.S. May we all also be Better Than That this school year – better than bullying. Together, we can reverse the epidemic.