I recently watched four-year-old children “playing” soccer, and it struck me that the activities they attempted and the characteristics that they modeled could easily transfer over into creating an ideal work environment. 

• There was no fear of trying something new.
• Each one got to play and contribute.
• All played to their level, including the handicapped.
• They were continually learning.
• Their coaches gave them the training needed to reach the next level.
• They worked as a team.
• They had a great cheering squad.
• Enthusiasm was evident, and everyone had fun.
• They felt successful at the end of the session.

There was no actual team against team competition.  Instead they playfully competed against each other as they built up their own skills and learned to work both together and as individuals.

Wouldn’t it be great if we started out each work day eager to learn more and contribute to the team, getting all the help we needed, and being appreciated for our efforts?

What a successful day we would have if we could reignite some of those traits that help our children develop into successful adults!