What a Five-Year-Old Taught Me About Leadership

As grandparents, or simply as adults, we often assume we’re the ones bringing the wisdom.

But this past weekend, I was reminded that clarity, joy, and creativity sometimes come in the smallest packages.

During a sleepover with my five-year-old grandson, I discovered three simple truths— each one unexpectedly reshaping my view on decision-making and leadership.

Three Lessons From My Grandson

1. Wake Up Knowing What You Want to Do

The moment my grandson opened his eyes, he knew: it was Hot Wheels™ time. No hesitation. Just clarity. How many of us start our days with that kind of certainty? As leaders, we often face days full of ambiguity—but intention doesn’t have to be complicated and it sets the tone.

Action: 

Tomorrow morning, take 30 seconds before your feet hit the floor to ask: What do I want to do today? Then, align at least one decision to that answer.

2. Be Clear About What You Want to Watch (and Why)

After racing cars, he shifted gears with clarity: he wanted to watch a specific show. Not just any screen time—he chose what would bring him joy. As we watched together, I realized that the episode, although aimed at kids, contained some oddly profound wisdom about finding joy in small things. It reminded me that content—and communication—should be intentional, not passive.

Action: 

Be intentional about the input you allow today—conversations, media, meetings. Ask yourself: Is this what I want to be paying attention to?

3. When It Gets Hard, Start Singing

Faced with tasks he didn’t want to do, we made up songs. And to my surprise, it worked. Laughter replaced resistance. Joy replaced dread. What if we, as adults, met challenges with creativity instead of control?

Action:  

The next time tension shows up—in a meeting, a conversation, or even your own inner monologue—try bringing levity. Humor disarms fear. A song might be optional... but lightness isn’t.

Closing Thought

Children often remind us of what we already know but have forgotten:

• Clarity matters

• Joy fuels momentum

• Creativity opens doors

Wisdom doesn’t always show up in a strategy deck or a boardroom. Sometimes, it races down a Hot Wheels track… or sings its way through the hard parts.

Your Invitation: 

This week, pause and ask yourself: 

What would shift in my leadership if I practiced it more like a five-year-old—with clarity, joy, and creativity?

Go outside and look at the clouds.