It all started with a boy and a ball. For a while he was the only one at the park, kicking the ball around by himself. It wasn’t long before several other children joined in and soon a game was underway. When a goal was scored, the whole team cheered. When a player tripped and fell, their teammates helped them up. New children wanted to join? They were quickly welcomed in.

The kids were focused on having fun, working together to score goals, and celebrating their victories. There was no room for preconceived judgements or biases about who could and couldn’t play with them.

As leaders, unbiased collaboration isn’t the only thing we can learn from our kids.

They are also adaptable and fearless. They’re not afraid to fail, but instead use it to spur on creativity and innovation. In fact, according to the Harvard Business Review, kids are more likely to take calculated risks than adults. “Because they’re oblivious to their competence or incompetence,” author Vineet Nayar writes, “they take their chances.”

Kids are also inquisitive and keep a short record of wrongs. They see each day with fresh eyes, not carrying over yesterday’s baggage or trying to anticipate tomorrow’s crises. They live in the present, which leaders would be wise to emulate (if this is something you struggle with, we’ve developed a weekly Leadership Journal to help you do just that).

It’s true, life as adults is slightly more complicated than a Saturday morning pick-up game at the park. However, this story brings to light some of the foundational skills necessary to lead others well: a welcoming attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and respect. Most importantly, we need to check our preconceived ideas about others at the door. These biases only distract us from our common goals and prevent us from any real success on the field.

Want to learn more about the importance of real relationships?

“10 Leadership Skills that are Child’s Play” – Steve Tobac, Tech Republic

HSBC Kids Explain: Leadership. Check out this adorable, yet insightful, look at leadership through the eyes of children.

And a few extra tips from our children…

“Four Life Lessons We Can Learn from Kids” – Regan Olsson, Banner Health

“7 Valuable Lessons Every Parent Can Learn From Their Little Ones” – Dr. Priscilla J S Selvaraj, Parent Circle