play lessons
November 12, 2016 § 6 Comments
This morning I chauffeured both children to a robotics meet. We were there for my son, that he might support his team, but I quickly lost my daughter to new friends and a budding interest.
We fell into easy conversations as the teams competing worked collectively through individual challenges. They were patiently competitive, generously cooperative.
I was reminded of another day, years ago at a neighborhood park. A spontaneous collaboration between sand and water with young children whose age, skin color, needs and abilities were as diverse as their language. That day, like today, I marveled at the partnership and individuality of their effort.
Today I’m giving thanks for the lessons in play, the ingenuity of arts and science that foster appreciation for creativity and community. The universal language of respect and curiosity that invites hope with humble gestures of kindness and bold acts of imperfect effort.
If you want to see tomorrow’s leaders at their best, offer them an uncertainty and then give them room enough to play at creative solutions.
scribblechic 
When I first read ‘robotics meet’the first thing that came to mind was a breakdancing competition. You know-a burnout! Sorry, I’m an eighties kid 🙂
Andy, I didn’t see that comment coming. Now I can’t shake the image.
Sorry, I do have that effect 🙂
I think that is happening as we speak Marie, everyone is watching and waiting to ‘see’ those solutions 😀
Mark, I like to think the conversations we are having are as essential as the solutions we are sounding out.
Yes…I just pray they are listening. If they are like ‘over here’, their listening skills need…um, how do I put this politely…a zipper on their mouth 🙂
What they still haven’t recognised…and I’m not pointing at anyone in particular, because they all do it…is ‘created’ this very situation BECAUSE they haven’t listened…and it was a protest more than anything.
We had the same here in Australia recently…the independent runners got a huge amount of votes, and quite simply we had all had enough. Same old, same old, and they wouldn’t listen…so the only way to show that frustration was the only way that we could…we deserted them. They really took note of what happened…but the noise coming out is now very guarded, but still trying to twist it to suit their agenda.
Did they listen…yes, to what they now need to do, but still suit themselves.
I do hope ‘over there’ has better listening skills for you 🙂