Are You Using All Your Players?

In chess and in life you face all kinds of challenges.  And if you want to achieve a successful outcome, you need to make sure everyone in the game is contributing.  Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Everyone is significant.  Your children are similar to pawns on a chessboard.  Pawns can only move in one direction — forward.  If they don't advance, they remain pawns.  If they're willing to face their opponents and advance all the way to the end of the board, they become anything they want to be.  If they choose to remain idle, they forfeit their place on the board.
2. Recognize the power of the queen.  In my household, the queen sits on a pedestal.  She watches over all the pawns.  She coordinates the other players.  The queen multitasks.  She can move quickly.  She knows what needs to be done.
3. Each player has a role.  Every family has its own knights, bishops and rooks.  You need to understand the strengths of each player and develop them according to their own talents.  Some players are their strongest when they are teamed up with the right partner.  The more time you spend learning what each player is capable of, the stronger your family will be.  The same is true in the business world.  It pays to get to know everyone on your team.

Every day is a new day.  The board is never the same, however, the strategies for success are universal.  Make sure everyone understands the rules and they feel important.  Teach them to understand basic patterns so they can win in all circumstances.  Encourage them to get to the center of the board so they can be the most effective.

Please share how you rally your family to reach their goals.  If you're a chess player, what lessons can you share about the game that help you in the game of life?  Please respond in the comments section below.  Thank you.