I have a blog writing prompt book I use to stimulate ideas from time to time. The prompt that started this blog was the question:
Think about the various roles you play in your life. If you had to give up all but one, which would you keep?
That was an easy decision for me, it is being a Father. Nothing fulfills me more- but it wasn't always that way.
When I was in college I was not sure I wanted to be a Father. My Dad was an excellent role model, who provided me with many appropriate examples of a good Dad behavior. I simply was not happy with the choices I had made in own my life then and felt I could not provide that critical support needed during a child's impressionable years.
When I met my wife, she convinced me otherwise. I am truly grateful for that. The birth of my children are two key moments in my life. I tried my best to be present to their needs, be loving, strong, and supportive. I may have been too protective at times, but it was from the heart. When I checked in with them as teenagers, and later as young adults, they said I was a good Father. That was the best confirmation I ever received.
This year my son and his wife brought a beautiful baby into this world. As I watch him interact with his son, I see that he seems to relish being a Dad also. He is doing so well supporting his wife and their child, like it comes naturally to him. I am sure he also had questions about how he would be as a Father. He will get to experience the results of his efforts as our grandchild grows up. My Father's legacy lives on for another generation. I am hoping my Dad will get to meet his Great Grandchild later this summer to complete the circle.
Similarly, Leaders are created the same way. Hopefully, they have a strong mentor to provide guidance and role model the way to lead. You then create your own path and use that knowledge to become a successful leader. The validation of your leadership abilities will be confirmed when a leader emerges from your team and becomes successful also. I was placed into a leadership role at the young age of nineteen. I stumbled many times in those formative years, but had the confidence that I would succeed. It probably was the formal education I received through Michigan State University's Hospitality Management program that made the difference. I did not remember getting a manual or ever taking a class on being a Father. Maybe that is why success is sweeter there.
I get great joy in seeing people succeed that I helped along the way. Maybe there was a morsel of information I shared, or a process that made their journey easier.
I have enjoyed many roles in my life. None have been more satisfying than being a Father. I now have the pleasure of seeing my children becoming great adult human beings. I am a successful Father.
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