As parents, we strive to equip our children with the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges and thrive in a complex world. Among the myriad of lessons we impart, fostering the mindset of Extreme Ownership stands as the ultimate GIFT. This mindset isn’t solely reserved for the corporate world; it’s a mindset that, when instilled early, enables children to overcome the challenges they will inevitably face.
Extreme Ownership teaches the significance of assuming full responsibility for one’s actions and their consequences. It revolves around acknowledging and embracing one’s mistakes, leveraging them as opportunities for growth, and actively pursuing solutions. This mindset is not just pivotal for personal growth and achievement but holds the power to significantly mold the character and resilience of our children.
Children’s Responsibilities in Action
My ten-year-old daughter, Charlee, found herself entangled in a dilemma. She had falsely signed her reading log, claiming to have completed the required readings when she hadn’t. Caught between the guilt of deception and the fear of disappointing me, she turned in the log, hoping the ruse would go unnoticed. However, the truth surfaced, and I confronted her about it.
Devastation was written all over her face when she realized the weight of her actions. I explained to her that she needed to take responsibility for her actions meaning owning up not just to me but also to her teacher. Initially terrified, she knew she had to face the consequences of her actions and rectify the situation.
Just as we teach our clients at Echelon Front, I reviewed with my daughter the Extreme Ownership Framework and then we engaged in role-play, simulating the conversation she needed to have with her teacher the following day. The next morning, we arrived at school early and walked down the empty hallway to her classroom, where her teacher was prepping for the day. Despite her trepidation, she bravely admitted her mistake and pledged to make amends, using the EO Framework flawlessly. With a heavy heart and tears welling up, she embraced the principles of Extreme Ownership, articulating her mistake to her teacher.
The outcome was incredible. Instead of reprimanding her, the teacher responded with empathy and surprise. She expressed how proud she was that Charlee was able to take responsibility for this mistake, something she was not accustomed to witnessing as a fourth-grade teacher. Together, they devised a plan to rectify the missed readings and make up the missing work.
This incident showcased the power of Extreme Ownership even in the lives of children. It’s easy for adults to underestimate the capacity of young minds to grasp and apply such profound principles. However, my daughter’s experience taught me otherwise. Children possess remarkable resilience and a unique ability to embrace ownership and accountability when guided and encouraged. As we walked back out side I asked her how she felt, and with a new sense of control and confidence she responded, “That wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be”. The initial disappointment I felt that she lied to me vanished and what was left was a sense of pride in how well she handled the situation and took full ownership.
A Change in Mindset – Set the Example
Encouraging our children to embrace Extreme Ownership isn’t about shielding them from mistakes but arming them with the courage to confront and learn from those mistakes. It’s about fostering a mindset where they view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
By instilling this mindset early on, we empower our children to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and integrity. They learn the value of taking ownership not just of their successes but, more importantly, their failures. Instead of deflecting blame or making excuses, they develop the resilience to tackle setbacks head-on, seek solutions, and learn from every experience.
As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s character. By fostering a culture of Extreme Ownership at home and setting the example, we provide them with a sturdy foundation to face life’s uncertainties. We teach them that mistakes are part of the learning process and that owning up to those mistakes is a mark of strength, not weakness.
Conclusion
Cultivating Extreme Ownership in our children is a gift that transcends the confines of childhood. It equips them with a powerful mindset—an invaluable asset as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. By embracing this ethos, our children develop resilience, integrity, and a sense of accountability that will serve them as they tackle life’s myriad of challenges. It’s not just about raising successful individuals but nurturing individuals who possess the courage and fortitude to take ownership of their lives and forge their paths with unwavering determination.
