Erik Van Slyke

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As child author and blogger, Adora Svitak, asks in this inspiring video, “When was the last time you were called childish?”

She goes on to say, “For kids like me, being called childish can be a frequent occurrence.  Every time we make irrational demands, exhibit irresponsible behavior, or display any other signs of being normal American citizens, we are called childish, which really bothers me . . . The traits the word childish addresses are seen so often in adults that we should abolish this age-discriminatory word when it comes to criticizing behavior associated with irresponsibility and irrational thinking.”

As Adora’s demonstrates, we should hold being childish in high regard.  It’s produced a sense of wonder, a voracious appetite for learning, experimentation and growth, and an ability to look past the naysayers to live her dreams.

Listen well corporate leaders.  She not only embodies the future workforce, she is speaking on behalf of the workforce present in your current organizations.  The structure and culture of organization life may have closeted some of their remarkable spirit, but if given a chance, given the right nurturing and encouragement, the passion, creativity and desire to achieve are still there waiting to be unbridled.

“We need to listen and learn from kids and trust us and expect more from us.  You must lend an ear today, because we are the leaders of tomorrow . . . We are going to be the next generation, the ones who will bring this world forward . . . The world needs opportunities for new leaders and new ideas.  Kids need opportunities to lead and succeed.  Are you ready to make the match?  Because the world’s problems shouldn’t be the human family’s heirloom.”

Go back and read the previous paragraph and replace the word “kids” with the word “employees.”

Indeed, the world—your company, school, or organization—needs opportunities for new leaders and new ideas.  Nurture employees the way she suggests we nurture kids and it’s a sure fire recipe for creating cultures that thrive.