Recently the value of motherhood is being studied again. Researchers still want to know if there is a price tag on the constant presence of mothers and what they do to support their offspring. After all, mothers become the first leader actively present in a child’s life. But, can the value of a mother’s support really be quantified?
The answer is yes. But, this is only after if we really peel back the layers of support from birth to adulthood. For instance, every human life is shaped from before it is even full-term and able to function. The first leader present, the mother, does this through preparation, nurturing, and pre-natal support. Even after a child is born and transitions to childhood and eventually adulthood, the leadership role continues and shifts to that of mentor, advocate, and often role model.
And who can quantify a mother’s active plan for balance in her life? When she takes the time to do so only further reinforces her commitment to be there and available for others. As I mentioned in my book Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success, she knows that balance is imperative to her success!
With mothers taking time to focus on balance and the “bigger picture,” they often remain in the role as the “go to” person or the de facto head of the daily household. It is without question that mothers are readily called upon to answer the million dollar question: “Mom-have you seen my-(fill in the blank)?”
Finally, if we really look at the gritty details, there is a way quantify the endless contributions of moms worldwide. Mothers are daycare providers, party planners, top chefs, head of the cleaning crew, director of tutoring, medics, shopping consultants, creative calendar coordinators, and everybody’s administrative assistant. Heck, she even chairs the home décor committee. Phew! Now that is some kind of job description!
If we pause to calculate major contributions from mothers, we might be able to determine how valuable these leaders really are. So, as we all celebrate and recognize mothers on Mother’s Day 2011, let’s consider an important question. What is the price tag for investing in good leadership development? Priceless.
Author Note: Thanks, Mom!
-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
