Marty makes Varsity Soccer Team

Good news for Marty. He made the varsity soccer team as a sophomore. His position is backup keeper. The current keeper is a Senior.

This was an interesting choice for him. He could play junior varsity and start or play varsity and ride the pine for the season. In the end, he chose to get the exposure to the higher level of play available at the varsity level (at least in practice). It is much better to be the small fish in the big pond.......

I am having interesting emotions as a parent. We have always supported our children and left the decisions like this to them. I am proud that he made the right choice. I am also happy that he has made the varsity, even though I would be perfectly happy supporting him in JV. We will see if there are opportunities for him to play.

Added material - Interesting Ritual for Knox Catholic Soccer. New members get their hair cut in weird ways, then have one day of practice and then buzzed. Marty looks really weird now.....

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.

The Rise of Conformity

We are wrestling with conformity this week. I am now "queer" in the teen vernacular, because I am taking video for YouTube and publishing this blog. "None of my friends want to see this....." Any creativity out of the norm is not acceptable. Oh well. Surf this out with the rest of the phases, and maybe they will get interested in the cross between technology and creativity that this blog represents.