🚙 My daughter has just got her driver’s license. She’s not yet 18, so according to the rules here in Germany, a designated person has to sit next to her when she’s driving.
I’ve had my driver’s license for almost 30 years, lots of driving experience, had been in some difficult situations and therefore have the BEST prerequisites to explain the world of driving to my daughter in a really practical way!
Wait a minute!
😯 SHE just got her driver’s license and certainly knows the rules of the road better than I do.
🛞 SHE sits at the wheel, has it in her hands, and therefore has the opportunity and responsibility to decide where we are going in the moment.
😀 SHE is now gaining driving experience, and even if I can perhaps help her to avoid dangerous situations or see upfront what might be the best way to go, the point is for HER to gain experience, make her own decisions and drive independently.
After all, I don’t want to have to sit next to her every time she drives for the next decades 😉
🌟 And why exactly mindful leadership now? For me, it’s important to be aware of my assumptions first. Then bring it in relation to my role, my tasks in this situation. Rather listen then talk, rather wait than act. Offer guidance and at the same time leave room for the way she decides, acts, gains experience.
How can we both learn from this, she by continuing to learn to make decisions – even in difficult situations – and I by giving her the freedom to gain experience, independence and by being there when she needs me, but only then?!
It‘s a practice 🌟 Do you experience something similar maybe even in another setting or area of life? Feel free to share in the comments.