In my work as a leadership development coach, speaker, and trainer, I am in the process of presenting my new parent coaching program to the world of work for HR professionals and managers. My goal is to offer lunch-and-learns to employees titled, Preventing Presenteeism with Parent and Family Coaching.
Presenteeism, if you have never heard of the term, is being present but not fully productive in the workplace. It's like going to school raising your hand when the teacher calls the roll, and you say “here”, but under your breath say, “psych” (I grew up in the ’90s). It’s like being physically present, but mentally absent.
As I begin to think of the presentation to employees, I couldn't help but think about parents. How many parents practice presenteeism in the home and are not aware of it? I am really here in body but absent in spirit.
As John Maxwell Parent and Family coach, our philosophy is to encourage parents to lead from the home first. Our goal is to equip, empower, and encourage parents to become better leaders. Being present, listening to listen and not to respond is one of the first principles in preventing presenteeism and finding purpose in your parenting. There are 10 principles of parenting to prevent presenteeism:
- Be honest. Make a declaration: I will speak the truth in love.
- Realize, no one is a perfect parent. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world; we don't have to be perfect to do it but operating in excellence to raise children to their highest potential is required
- Parenting is a journey, not a destination. On the journey, there will be highs and lows, peaks and valleys in the family.
- YOU have to do the work. You must put in the time to build your parenting muscles. No one can go to the gym for you, and then you have six-pack abs. You have to do the work.
- Know your job description. Knowing what a parent's job is, is imperative. The role of a parent is to guide our children into being responsible, self-fulfilled, morally functioning, independent adults reaching their fullest potential. For us, as parents to do that requires us to be responsible, self-fulfilled, morally functioning, independent adults reaching our highest potential.
I could go on, and on, and on, for days about this topic, but I don't have space here to do so. If you like what I have shared so far in this blueprint of preventing presentism and finding purpose in your parenting and would like to get information about the other steps, contact me. I would love to share my free lunch-and-learn offer with your small group, PTA, sports team, or wherever you serve parents. We, as parents are Called to Elevate Our Society. We are CEOs in our homes; let’s grow together.
More about Melinda
Melinda’s educational background has been focused in the areas of education, leadership, coaching, and counseling. She holds a doctorate in higher education and organizational change, a master’s degree in counselor education and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. She is also a graduate of the Executive and Professional Coaching Program from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Melinda is currently an Executive Director with the John Maxwell Team, certified to facilitate, speak, train and coach individuals and groups in the areas of leadership development, professional skills, and personal growth. Helping individuals meeting their goals and collaborating with people for success is her mission. Leading an ethical, balanced, purposeful life while living your dreams are guiding principles for Melinda; collaborating with like-minded organizations and individuals is what brings about success in the coaching relationship.
As a coach, Melinda is supporting and encouraging. She has a unique ability to support her clients while holding them accountable for their desired results. Teamwork is what makes the dream work when coaching with Melinda.
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