Why do some children in kindergarten seem to have a leg up academically and socially? Studies since the 1980s have shown that one difference maker is how many words they have been exposed to during the first three years of their lives. Children with a decided intellectual edge have heard as many as 30 million words
The purpose of the above Field Notes is to highlight the behavior of giving meaningful books or gifts that recognize personal milestones in a team members life. Would love to hear other suggestions of both circumstances and the book/gift given besides the one occasion listed of having children...
While giving this particular book is not a universal behavior, the idea of thinking through meaningful moments and the book or gift that might match well is a great exercise.
Setting this book and the research it is based on to the side, the behavior of thoughtful gift giving is powerful. I've never received a thoughtful gift from a leader, but I have received several from direct reports and coworkers. Probably the most thoughtful gift I received was a Successories poster that shows a snowball rolling downhill with the caption, Teamwork: A Few Harmless Flakes Working Together Can Unleash An Avalanche of Destruction. It was signed and given to me by the first team I had been given the privilege to lead. I still have it 20 years later and keep in touch will 6 of the 7 team members who signed it with a silver sharpie. BTW - The book I recommend reading to small children is, There's a Monster at the End of this Book, narrated by the furry and lovable Grover.
I think it is interesting how leadership never gave you a thoughtful gift. This behavior kind of hints at my experience, as I climbed/climb the rungs. A large number of bosses are ignorant/idiots. It is wonderful to hear your peers and direct reports don't think you are (based on their actions).
I've been fortunate to have worked under a handful of effective leaders during my career. Each of them gave me the gift of opportunity, pressure, support, and mentoring when I've needed it the most. I'll take those over tangible goods any day.
Seems to me that another language spoken in the home while children are young and sponges would also add words to their vocabulary - two words for the same thing and concept! Like the Doublemint gum commercials ... "Double your pleasure, double your fun."
The purpose of the above Field Notes is to highlight the behavior of giving meaningful books or gifts that recognize personal milestones in a team members life. Would love to hear other suggestions of both circumstances and the book/gift given besides the one occasion listed of having children...
I love the idea of gifting the book to team members who are new parents - thanks for highlighting this!
Sure thing, Josh.
While giving this particular book is not a universal behavior, the idea of thinking through meaningful moments and the book or gift that might match well is a great exercise.
Another book I am adding to my list:).
Thank you.
Setting this book and the research it is based on to the side, the behavior of thoughtful gift giving is powerful. I've never received a thoughtful gift from a leader, but I have received several from direct reports and coworkers. Probably the most thoughtful gift I received was a Successories poster that shows a snowball rolling downhill with the caption, Teamwork: A Few Harmless Flakes Working Together Can Unleash An Avalanche of Destruction. It was signed and given to me by the first team I had been given the privilege to lead. I still have it 20 years later and keep in touch will 6 of the 7 team members who signed it with a silver sharpie. BTW - The book I recommend reading to small children is, There's a Monster at the End of this Book, narrated by the furry and lovable Grover.
Good morning David,
I think it is interesting how leadership never gave you a thoughtful gift. This behavior kind of hints at my experience, as I climbed/climb the rungs. A large number of bosses are ignorant/idiots. It is wonderful to hear your peers and direct reports don't think you are (based on their actions).
Thanks for your insight and time.
Have a good day.
I've been fortunate to have worked under a handful of effective leaders during my career. Each of them gave me the gift of opportunity, pressure, support, and mentoring when I've needed it the most. I'll take those over tangible goods any day.
Thanks for the additional suggestions, David.
Will throw this out for anyone to suggest additional common team member occasions and the accompanying book.
Seems to me that another language spoken in the home while children are young and sponges would also add words to their vocabulary - two words for the same thing and concept! Like the Doublemint gum commercials ... "Double your pleasure, double your fun."
Definitely an easier way of getting to that 30 million mark, Larry.