I want, I want, I want. Thats what I hear from my kids, or at least, I used to. Now that they're getting older, its more like "I 'd really like to ...."
See, they're getting the hang of this life thing. They've started to understand the difference between the relentless instant gratification which characterises childhood and the more considered, self awareness and consciousness of others which adults are supposed to employ. And that s a good thing I think. It's even fun actually to do a kind of mental "before & after" photo in my mind to see how far they've come.
So when I have to deal with people who seem to wallow in the "me, me, me" and "I want.." of childhood (& childish) behaviour, I like to imagine they're like my kids in the "before" photo.
Hopefully, I may live long enough to also see them in the "after" shots as well. But, for some, I doubt it. Its as if these kids just never grow up.
Now, what do I do with them? In a work environment, should it be possible to say "you know what? This just isn't working for me. I'm not your parent, and I don't care to deal with this childish nonsense any longer."
Or, do we say, as the scriptures could suggest, "I forgive you 70 times 7 for the appalling tantrums you throw". Or, maybe its like the Fair Work Act and say "Final Warning, next black letter breach you're out!" (And what if its only a "grey letter" breach? )
Where's my role as an employer in helping a kid (no matter what age they are) to grow up?
Geez Solomon, where are you when we need you?
