“Our job sometimes is simply to be the spark, help build confidence, and then get out of the way.”
“Sometimes, empowering just one person is all it takes to push an entire group.”
At the dinner table a few nights ago, my husband and I discussed the idea of empowering others, especially our teenage son, and how it’s the KEY to influencing effective change. As parents, we boost Kaleb’s confidence while instilling principles of life, but we also allow him to make many choices on his own. When our son was a little fella, this process seemed much easier. Now, in the teenage years, my husband and I must frequently remind each other of our parenting commitment. The truth is, Kaleb’s choices often blow our minds–for the good! Had we placed limitations and forced him to comply with our way of doing things, he’d never explore the world around him as he has. Kaleb is an inspiration to many, and I’m in awe of the lessons learned from his life-explorations.
As an educator and future administrator, I want to remember the words of George Couros in Part 2 of The Innovator’s Mindset (quoted above) as well as the approach to parenting my only son. We must be the spark of encouragement to those around us and model risk-taking while empowering others to embrace the innovator’s mindset. Then…we need to get out of the way and let the fire spread! I wholeheartedly believe that empowering one can start a wildfire of positive change. Be the spark!
