Lessons Learned From a 5th Grade Graduation

This morning, I was 100% in dad mode, but some things caught my attention that I wanted to share.

My first-born had his 5th grade farewell this morning as they all prepare to make the move to middle school. It was an amazing hour to see/hear from the teachers, principal, and the middle school principal as well.

As you know me to never turn off my observations in any environment, I had a few notable takeaways from what was said and what was seen:

1. Cheer others on - They ran a slide show of every single student in 5th grade that had a picture of them when they were 5 and their 5th grade picture. What struck me is that all of the kids cheered and yelled out the names of the kids that popped up.

Not only did it create a fun vibe, but you could tell that it made the more introverted kids feel included and happy.

Takeaway: We don't celebrate each other enough as adults.

2. "We've got you." - The middle school principal said a couple of fantastic things. He said "Our school is a safe place to make mistakes. You will make mistakes over the 3 years you'll be with us, just keep being you and know that we've got you."

"We've/I've got you" is one of my favorite client service and network support statements. It gives this immediate feel of comfort, psychological safety, and togetherness. Just think about it being said to you in a time where you're uncertain, not confident, and hesitant. It immediately feels better.

Takeaway: Try using this phrase when helping out your next client.

3. Be present - I will say that no matter what my work situation, calendar, demands on my professional time, I've always worked my hardest to be as present as I can for my sons. It's not always been easy, but it's always been worth it.

During the event this morning, the middle school principal said the same thing to parents in the room, "Stay engaged, be present."

I quickly looked around the room and saw a dozen or so parents with their heads buried in their phones. Not even for the hour of celebration of their kids, could they be present.

Look, I'm not in the business of shaming people because we don't know what's going on in everyone else's world, but I do know that I saw several students have a look on their faces of not being seen.

Takeaway: No matter who you're talking with, be present. It means more to the other person than you can imagine. Also, be present with yourself and pay attention to what you need to feel and say.

This morning, I'm simply a proud dad.

I'm proud of the young man my son is becoming. God help us that he's absorbed my sense of humor (see photo 1; my younger got it too evidently 🤦🏻‍♂️), but he's also absorbed empathy and leadership and nothing could make me prouder.

Congrats Beau! You're an amazing guy. ❤️