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Raising Future Leaders

Writer's picture: Amanda WaisAmanda Wais

Hi!


I love a change in perspective, so may I share one with you?


I was subbing at the elementary school as one of the special ed teachers (a job I adore!), and I had a friend, who is also a para-pro (person who assists a student or small group of students) in with the class a couple times.


He is a full-time para there, and I was delighted to see him come in with a couple of the students I had that day.


Not only was it nice to catch up when the students were busy working quietly, I was honored to witness that he is amazing at what he does.


I intentionally observed him because I could tell he had a calm way of keeping the room peaceful and productive. I really admired that, so I absorbed as much as I could: how he spoke, what he said, how he maintained consistency, how he induced action or stopped an action, etc..


It was quite magical. How did he do that?


The whole day was awesome in general, but afterwards, I sent him a message to tell him how nice it was to work with him, and that he is great at what he does.


He replied with a similar sentiment and included the words, "Thank you for coming in and teaching our future leaders."


Holy crap.


That was it!


That's how he did it!


Do you see it?


He treats all the students he works with as if he is preparing them to be leaders! And once he said this, I realized that's what the whole school tries to instill! That's why it's such an amazing place, and the students seem to treat each other respectfully.


Because they are treated respectfully.


Wow, wow, wow. What a gift.


The next thing I realized was, "Geez, that's how I raise Braeden at home too." I do my best on the daily to prepare him to be the president of the USA. Oh, we talk about it. It's possible. He is even obsessed with the presidents and can name more of them in chronological order than you or I.


So let that all sink in. We can treat our children like future leaders.


Let's take that a step further.


How would you feel if you were raised that way? What would be different about your life?


I want you to do something really special for yourself. Think back to little you -- pick any age -- and imagine that whoever raised you often called you "friend" or "dear" or "love". They asked your preference on many topics throughout the day and valued your opinion. If you didn't want to do what was happening, they calmly asked you to explain what or why you are doing instead, and then had you problem solve your way back on track with what was supposed to be happening around you -- to see the bigger picture.


If you were raised that way, you probably are already a leader. Congrats!


If you were not raised that way, how would your life look different today if you were? I want you to really feel that shift. How would you talk to yourself? What would you feel your value is? How would you react to negativity or rejection?


We would have to dive deeper to really get a sense of all that, but my intention here is to show you that you can be more than you think you are. In fact, the world would love it if you were able to shed some of the things you learned if you weren't treated as a leader because those things are only holding you back from your potential.


You can be a leader too!


I am working on becoming one myself because I think it's important. But I do have to unlearn many things I was told when I also was not treated as a leader. It takes dedication, but it's possible.


As you can tell, I was so excited when that para-pro told me about raising leaders, and it hit me so hard that I am still exploring it, and I had to share it with you.


But like I said as I described how he genuinely interacted with the students, not only does he say that, he thinks it and embodies it on a daily basis. Many of the teachers/paras/staff/admin/etc there do as well..


And that is why my child loves that school.


He is a future leader.


And at home, he is also a future rockstar!



Why can't we all be?


Thanks for reading! I hope you are inspired to explore that a little further either with the children in your life or yourself. Or anyone you know!


If you haven't already listened to our latest episode with the inspirational Raymell, you might want to. The feedback I've gotten from his story has been astounding so far. I love that he can be his authentic self in such a meaningful way.


See you next time. Stay awesome!

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