When Your Expertise Stops at the Front Door
I teach communication in all forms as part of my portfolio career. I particularly love the in-person communication pieces like speeches, pitches, and high-stakes meetings.
But when my son was running for student body president and had to give a speech, he didn't want my help.
"I've got this," he said.
"Want me to take a look?" I offered.
"Nope. I'm good."
I tried again by explaining that I am paid to do this at high-level institutions and firms, but it was still a hard no.
It wasn't until the night before that he let me watch a run-through. And to be fair, he was really good. I made a minor tweak by suggesting a pause - nothing dramatic.
Which was both impressive and mildly unsettling for my ego. There's something about being a parent that resets your sense of importance.
You can spend your day advising, leading, setting direction, and then come home and get a polite "no thanks."
Credentials and authority checked at the front door.
It's a useful reminder that influence doesn't carry over just because you've earned it somewhere else.
Sometimes your role is to step back and let things happen without you, even if you could make it 10% better.
Ps: The image below is a snippet of his speech.
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