A Great Summer Day

Summer is finally here. Today is a great day. We started with baseball games, to finish the KYS season. A loss for the Mets and we are in the lower bracket for the tournament next week.

Following the games, a little light yard work, refurbishing the pond, with new fish, a new filter and new plants. Colleen got to pick and name a new fish, classically called "Goldie" (very original).

The kids spent two hours at the pool and Dad got a two hour afternoon nap. The pool was newly cold, which won't last. Two weeks from now, the water will move from cool to tepid to bathwater warm by August. The nap was a classic warm, laying in the sun, in-and-out sleep, with the radio lightly going with classical music.

We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner, with fresh corn on the grill. A great dinner for a great day. The simple satisfaction of a day restfully spent. The night closed with flashlight tag with the neighborhood kids in pack, while we eagerly await the fireflies.

Life Lessons - The fine art of water-balloon tying

A great afternoon, heading into summer. I spent a few minutes this afternoon passing on a crucial life skill to my sons. Most dad's would pass on business skills, discussions of the opposite sex, or fighting arts. Today, though, I transcended all these more mundane topics and passed on the fine art of how to tie a water balloon. A skill much used in the summer months at our house, this crucial skill is slowing dying in the U.S., I am afraid. More water balloons, anyone?

Mu Alpha Theta for Marty

Marty was inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, high school math honor society, this afternoon. Short but good ceremony for both Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society, held at Knox Catholic.

Conversations with Children and Employees

I am struck by a comparison between children and employees. As a parent, there are often conversations which are difficult, but required. The purpose is, through love, to help your child see the need to correct actions or change on-going behaviors. As a manager, the same conversations are required, at times, with your employees. Though love is not the usual reason given in a business situation, it should be the same motivating factor.

Reversing the comparison, the same rules for a manager, when holding these conversations, holds true for the conversation with a recalcitrant child. Calm, yet firm, conversation is the method, with just enough emotion to express the seriousness of the situation. Establishing the position of judge is crucial, and examples of behavior or changes in expected output are also required. Having a solid action plan is essential. Lastly is follow-up, with clear rewards or consequences.

I have found that these conversations with employees are far easier, as the emotional connection is more distant. I also, though, firmly believe that these conversations are far more important with your children. The long term emotional exposure is far greater.