The 7 Habits of Highly Effective 5-Year-Olds

It recently occurred to me that there’s a lot leaders can learn from 5-year-olds.  For example:

1. Use what you have – Don’t have a dollhouse?  Use a shoe box!
2. Don’t be afraid to use stuff in a new way – Ignore that nice stable mommy bought you for your toy horses, make your own using a bead necklace.
3. Be insatiably curious – Enough said.
4. Make time to play – As Mary Poppins taught us, the potential for fun lurks where you least expect it.
5. Always be closing – Children are born negotiators.  It never hurts to ask.  And ask again.  And again.  
6. Shake it off – So you got egg all over the kitchen counter, that shouldn’t stop you from knowing you can break the eggs perfectly next time.
7. Don’t stereotype or judge – Everyone is a potential friend, playmate or someone to help you paint your wall with fingernail polish.

And one bonus habit:

Be in the moment - The place is here.  The time is now.