Over the past month, Joanne and I  had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with one of our clients and her husband. The topics of conversation chopped and changed, as did the opinions, insights, and views. 

However, the one topic that received the majority of attention and discussion was raising children.

Some of the topics of our discussion were:

• The role and responsibilities of the parents
• Formal education vs. street smarts
• Communication
• How to carry yourself in public
• Responsibilities regardless of age

The common thread throughout all of this was the fact that many of the points we discussed (and agreed on, for that matter) are now quite commonly referred to as ‘old school’.

Here’s a little insight (names removed to protect the guilty/innocent)

1. Get an alarm clock

OK, so waking up 5 minutes before you have to leave for school might have been OK when you were 14 and perhaps even on the weekends. Now, in the grown-up world, there is a different schedule, and like it or not, this schedule usually isn’t determined by you. You need to be prepared to deal with what each day brings, so just being there on time is important—in fact, it is crucial—but it is also only the start.

You have to be there, awake, alert, aware, and involved. You need to actively contribute. Being on time and delivering what you are there for are expected. Don’t confuse attendance for achievement.

2. The world owes you nothing

The fact that you couldn’t work full-time while you studied for your degree is unfortunate. And yes, others will, to some point, recognise the worth of your sacrifice. You do not have to play the victim because of this, and it was your choice to take the path you did. Everyone around you doesn’t have to be told numerous times how the man had it in for you and, therefore, you had/have little financial stability. 

The second part of this is that, yes, you might have a very well-credentialed formal education, and chances are you will come across people who never got out of high school. Do not write them off because of your superior education. Remember their skills for life got them this far, and if you play your cards right, their skills of life education might help you get a lot further as well.

3. Refinement vs. Repetition

There will be things you are asked to do, systems you are asked to follow, and structures you must adhere to. Through all of this, you and many others will see ways to refine the process. But here is the thing: Do not try and change everything that you see because, in your opinion, it’s ‘old school’. Chances are the points you will raise about how things need to be changed have been repeated and reviewed many times over the years, so recognise and respect what has come before you. By doing this, you make sure you don’t become another voice with another way to circumvent what needs to be done.

In saying this, though, if you have an idea, raise it. But raise it at the right time and for all the right reasons. Basically so it benefits all and not so it just makes things easier for you.

4. Attention to detail

Be proud and put your DNA on all you think, say, and do. However, at the same time, detach the ego from it. As you do this, remember that attention to detail is important. Be on time, be prepared, be well versed, communicate effectively, dress appropriately, pay attention, and do not use your mobile phone during meetings. Details are important, and they will be noticed.

5. Teamwork

You have your job description, and you have a role within the team… But you also have another role, which is not written down and probably will not be explained to you, but one you will be held accountable for. This secondary role is doing what needs to be done to keep the team or community you are involved with functioning, e.g. Washing up in the kitchen, replacing toilet paper, putting the rubbish out, etc. So regardless of title, hierarchal structure, or how many initials sit after your name. Do what you can for those around you, and go out of your way to serve the team or community. Don’t wait to be told to do it or reminded that you could have got the team a coffee when you went out and got one for yourself.

6. Responsibility before accountability

If it’s your job to see it get done, then get it done. Don’t wait for someone to call you to tell you what has or hasn’t been completed. Take pride in yourself, your role, and what you bring to the table, and above all else, make sure you deliver on your responsibilities and commitments. 

7. Clarity v Complaining

“Why” is a great question, but context becomes critical for acceptance. By this, I mean that if you ask “why” to seek clarification and understanding, people will accept and respect this question and do what they can to help you. However, here is the thing: once someone has answered the initial ‘why’ and clarified the situation, you don’t get to ask another “why”. If you ask it in the context of “Why is it done this way?” “Why do I have to do it?” etc., you will see rather quickly that the novelty will wear off at about the same time as people’s preparedness to help you.

To some, these may seem ‘old school’, but to me, they just make sure for all the right reasons and in the right ways…

The Journey Continues!