Raising Leaders: Using the Principles of Parenting at Work to Become a Great Leader and Create Great Leaders by Wendy Born takes a fresh perspective on leadership by linking it to parenting principles. It’s an approach that struck me as intuitive yet innovative—using qualities like empathy, guidance, and patience that we typically associate with parenting as essential tools for effective leadership. This book dives into what it means to lead in a way that inspires growth, trust, and resilience, both for ourselves and those we guide.

1. Parenting and Leadership – A Surprisingly Natural Link

Born makes a strong case that leadership and parenting are more similar than we often admit. Both require patience, empathy, consistency, and a genuine desire to help others grow. As a leader, this means shifting from simply managing tasks to truly investing in people. Born’s examples helped me see leadership as a “long game,” where the goal is to nurture and guide people rather than control them. This concept resonated deeply because it encourages leaders to go beyond surface-level oversight and get involved in developing others’ potential.

2. Creating a Safe Environment for Growth

One of the most impactful points is Born’s emphasis on psychological safety. In parenting, creating a safe environment allows children to explore, fail, and learn without fear of judgment. Born suggests the same for leadership. When people feel safe at work, they’re more likely to share ideas, take risks, and ultimately contribute more creatively and effectively. This part of the book made me think about how safety in the workplace isn’t just physical but emotional too—creating a space where people can be vulnerable, try new things, and grow from their experiences.

3. Balancing Guidance and Autonomy

Parenting involves a delicate balance between offering guidance and allowing autonomy, and Born argues that leadership requires the same. A good leader doesn’t micromanage but also doesn’t leave team members to figure everything out on their own. This balance helps people feel supported yet empowered, which is crucial for their growth and motivation. Reflecting on my own leadership style, I found Born’s insights on this topic a gentle reminder to resist the urge to “take over” while also being available when guidance is needed.

4. Empathy and Listening as Core Skills

Empathy is a key theme throughout the book. Born explains that, like parents, leaders should listen actively and try to understand the unique needs and aspirations of each team member. This goes beyond typical communication; it’s about understanding people’s individual motivations and challenges. I realized that, as a leader, showing empathy helps build stronger connections, making team members feel genuinely valued. Born’s advice pushed me to think about how often I truly listen versus just waiting for my turn to speak.

5. Cultivating Resilience and Handling Failure

Resilience is something we often try to instill in children, teaching them to get back up after a setback. Born suggests leaders do the same with their teams. She discusses how it’s important for leaders to foster resilience, teaching team members to view challenges as growth opportunities rather than obstacles. This part resonated with me because it’s easy to forget the importance of allowing others to struggle sometimes, trusting that they’ll emerge stronger and more capable.

6. Leading by Example

The book emphasizes that, like parents, leaders need to lead by example. Born talks about the importance of embodying the values and behaviors you wish to see in your team. This principle of “walking the talk” resonated with me because people tend to emulate what they observe. If a leader acts with integrity, openness, and respect, the team is more likely to mirror those values. Born’s emphasis on authenticity as a form of leadership reminded me that people are always observing, and actions often speak louder than words.

Final Thoughts

Raising Leaders is a refreshing take on leadership. Wendy Born’s approach offers a reminder that leadership isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about guiding people, fostering growth, and building trust. The book shows that, by applying parenting principles like empathy, patience, and resilience, leaders can create an environment where people feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential.

This book challenged me to rethink leadership as an ongoing journey of learning and growth, much like parenting. Instead of fixating on outcomes, Born encourages us to focus on the people behind the work, on their development and well-being. If you’re looking for a guide that goes beyond technical skills and dives into the human side of leadership, Raising Leaders is a valuable read that offers practical wisdom and heartfelt advice.