The Power of an Outside Voice
"Jon, never underestimate the power of an outside voice."
A CEO shared these words with me after I had just spoken to his company.
"We brought you here to reinforce our message," he said. "Our folks get tired of hearing us say it but when it comes from an outside voice it's new, fresh and exciting."
I knew exactly what he was talking about.
Even though I'm brought in to speak to some of the biggest names in sports and business my kids have little interest in hearing what I have to say. From what many parents tell me on my travels I know I'm not alone.
So, besides having my kids read my books and writing inspirational messages on whiteboards in their rooms, I've resorted to outside voices to reinforce the message and principles I want to share with them.
I have found coaches, tutors, youth pastors, mentors, experts, etc to encourage, coach, teach, push and bring out the best in my children. I bought my son a great video by Jim Loer on how to develop mental toughness during a tennis match and his tennis coach reinforces the importance of focus and practice. My friends Paul and Mindy McCord have given great advice to my daughter about being the best lacrosse player she can be.
I also give my children books to read, share inspiring Youtube videos, and we watch Joel Osteen as a family. Some of Joel's messages are similar to mine but when he says it, it's like they are hearing it for the first time. : )
There's something about the power of an outside voice and I want to encourage you to use outside voices to share and reinforce important principles and messages with your team at work and at home.
I will do all I can do to support you by continuing to write books, give talks and provide even more free resources to be an outside voice for you and others. I know its my purpose and I'm glad to be of help since no one will listen to me at my home. : )
But please know there are many outside voices out there and I encourage you to find the right people and resources to share with your work team and ask family members, neighbors, friends, teachers and mentors to encourage and teach your children and team at home.
There's the power of an outside voice and you can start tapping into one today!
-Jon
... all politics aside, I have to agree with Hillary Clinton's "it takes a village to raise a child" concept. I feel like we have a wealth of great parents in our community who will watch out for my child, correct my child when needed and encourage her when possible. Looking for these "outside voices" is so important in our kids' development and I'm thankful for those special parents who continue to help us.
Do you count on other parents or adults to help positively influence your children?
Until the next nap time...
