Lessons from a parent teacher conference

This morning, I went to a student teacher conference for my three year old son. I sat down with his teacher who had a neatly printed stack of papers waiting for me. Going into our “conference” I was lightheartedly joking with my partner over coffee about the RIVETING things we might learn. Coming out, I had a powerful realization. Maybe everything we need to prioritize to thrive and be more fulfilled, we actually learn to prioritize and celebrate at the ripe age of 3.

5 things I learned from my 3 year old son's parent teacher conference:

1. How we react to a challenge is a big part of what plays into the outcome --whether it’s sharing a toy or disagreeing over an approach to how you're selling a product.

2. Having community and feeling connected to our peers dramatically improves happiness and performance -- in a preschool, on a playground or in the C-Suite.

3. Creative expression is liberating and productive. The more we can think outside of the sandbox *and get dirty*, the more powerful our ideas will be.
Note to self: pack extra pants.

4. We’re hard wired to want to conform (boring). But being your authentic self creates confidence and allows you to harness your unique strengths.
Whether you wear mismatched clothes to rep your style @ school or take an alternative approach to your business - just keep it interesting to stay interested!

5. And finally, saying the F word in your classroom or your office … never flies. No follow ups here.