A good friend once told me the worst question you could ask a child is, “When are you going to grow up?”
Being a parent, I understand and appreciate his comment.
Unfortunately, the innocence and magic that accompanies childhood gets eroded and disappears as the years accumulate. And, as a parent, there is nothing we can do about it, except enjoy the time we have with our kids while they are young.
It’s not just the magic that disappears. Our wonderful childhood imaginations become impeded by realism and the constant urgings by parents and teachers to grow up, conform and fit in. And so it goes.
We trudge forward into the educational system and replace all that “could be” with all “that is.” And before we know it, we are driving, graduating and working.
We learn the ropes, try to act “professional,” get paid, get reviewed, get promoted and sometimes get out. Our early career stages are filled with rules, guidelines and “how we do things around here.”
In some organizations, employees are encouraged to be risk takers and be creative. But they are not sure what that means anymore because the system has rung the kid right out of them.
Sometimes consultants are brought in to help employees become more creative. All of a sudden, employees and management teams find themselves climbing through some man-made spiderweb with co-workers or climbing rocks in Colorado in the name of team building and problem solving.
Clumsily, they do their best not to get embarrassed and try to regain some of their coordination lost so many years ago. This was so easy when we were 10 and had no fear.
What happened?
It’s even amusing to see all the books in the market on how to have fun at work. Are we this far gone that we need to have an instruction manual on how to laugh, smile, get along and be creative in the workplace?
You know, we are still kids inside — just a bit bigger and older. All that creativity and imagination are still there ready to work their magic. The challenge is to break the chains of adulthood and think a bit more like a child. Perhaps, if we let that inner child out once in a while, organizations might be better off and more competitive.
So consider breaking down some barriers and allow people to produce great, creative work.
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Lead by example. Loosen up, smile, laugh and show your employees that you are human. You will be a stiff after you pass on, so why be one when you’re alive?
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Let them scrape their knees. Allow them to take risks and try new ideas. And don’t forget to reward employees for trying something different.
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Eliminate barriers. Don’t limit creativity with archaic employment policies, demeaning rules and layers of bureaucracy.
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Take a trip to the local paint store. Pick out some vibrant colors for your office. Better yet, ask your employees about your office décor, wall colors and carpeting. I bet you get some great feedback on how to create a worker-friendly and stimulating environment.
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Be casual. Consider incorporating a business casual dress code at least once a week if not daily. Remember, most kids hate to dress up.
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Follow Dr. Suess. Instead of reading the next best-selling business book, have your management team read All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum, and then talk about it. The fundamentals covered in the book are terrific guides to running a highly effective and successful business.
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Encourage recess. Kids love to play and be challenged. Your employees are no different. Talk with your team to find out their ideas on how to enhance their jobs and your company’s work environment. They will appreciate being asked, and you will get some great advice.
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Keep it fun. Establish an environment where employees can enjoy their work.
Kids do say the darndest things. Their view of the world often shakes paradigms — something those high-priced consultants try to do with organizations every day.
So take a step back and look at your workplace. Are you providing the kind of environment that brings out the kid in your employees? If not, it may be time to get out some crayons and sketch out your next strategic plan.