What We Didn't Learn in Kindgarten?

Have you ever seen that poster "All I need to know in life, I learned in Kindergarten"? Well, we've been reminded of that concept lately. I remember back to the first years of school when we used to get graded on listens well, plays well with others and follows directions. Now, there's a chance we're wrong about this, but those key life skills were made relevant by educators for a reason. Those three things carry you through life.

Unfortunately, we've noticed lately that perhaps, as adults, we've all lost sight of that. Just take a peak at the news. Ever hear the ladies and gents of congress go 12 rounds over "republicans said this, democrats said that"? Who hasn't? I'm pretty sure would my first grade teacher Ms. Nardone be grading them, these bastions of leadership would get a "Needs Improvement" mark in both listens well and plays well with others. There is certainly no listening going on and the one-up-manship that passes as debate doesn't indicate anything other than playing dirty.

This transcends complaints with government officials or a simple school system example. Think about how you deal with clients or vendors, colleagues, associates, bosses or employees. Do you really listen? Are you hearing what your client is requesting? Is your vendor giving you a realistic opinion but you don't want to hear it? Has a boss provided you with instructions, you didn't read the email and then got upset when you are asked to revisit the task? Communication is obviously key to every relationship. Anyone reading this can certainly think of an example where this is true. I can think of three right now, one which happened yesterday.

As we move forward, navigating this tough time, we challenge everyone, including ourselves to think about what we learned in kindergarten. It wasn't pointless block building. It was a simple structure that taught us keys to functioning as an adult. We ought to employ those skills a little more often. Just a thought.