Insights

How the magic of childhood is the secret to career success

Ask someone about their earliest memories and it’s likely they remember being told a story. Stories speak to the innermost core of our human experience. They have a tendency to stick with us. The stories you heard as a child likely have influenced you as an adult – but have you thought about revisiting the lessons you learned? They may be even more useful to you now you’ve grown up.

Be open to new places & trying new things

Possum Magic – Mem Fox & Julie Vivas

Grandma Poss used bush magic to make Hush invisible, but didn’t adequately plan to undo this. To solve the situation, the possums must embark on an adventure into the unknown – a bravery that you should channel whenever confronted with new possibilities.

Life is full of opportunities and fresh starts

Oh, the places you’ll go! – Dr Seuss

This Dr Seuss is an incredibly popular graduation gift. But it’s not just about the start of your journey. It’s about the bumps along the way. After all, life is no smooth ride, and you should prepare yourself to weather the course. Roll with the punches, and treat each change as a fresh start.

Growth is a journey

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle

Whilst it first appears this caterpillar is simply being greedy, it turns out to be a necessary part of becoming a butterfly. Throughout your career, you’ll need to be growing and preparing for the next stage – you never know when the time will come for you to break out of your cocoon and bloom.

Reading is the ultimate superpower

Matilda – Roald Dahl

Matilda, the hero of bookish children everywhere, shows kids how to stand up to bad grown ups: read. By learning and exploring other worlds through stories, you gain the soft skills that are key to building relationships. There’s also a lesson in being honest: Mr Wormwood’s dodgy secondhand car “refurbishments” are his undoing, after all.

Work smart not hard

The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

When in danger, the heroic mouse uses imaginative storytelling to divert potential predators. Rather than fight those that are bigger, this mouse is a classic example of working smarter – not harder. By better using resources or natural talent, you too can avoid threatening situations… even if there is such a thing as a gruffalo!

Problem-solving requires getting stuck in

We’re going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury

No matter the nature of diversions in your path, there’s always a way around, over, under or through them. The only way to find out is by confronting the problem, face on.

Sharing is caring

The Rainbow Fish – Marcus Pfister

Whilst it’s enjoyable having nice things, it’s even nicer to share that joy. Sometimes, you may have to sacrifice your own interests for the good or the happiness of the group. But doesn’t it feel good to share and give to others?

Working together is important – even if it’s with a grumpy pudding

The Magic Pudding – Norman Lindsay

No matter the obstacles or problematic people you face, it’s always easier to get out of trouble with a supportive team around you. Even if one of them is a grumpy old pudding who isn’t really committed to their own best interests…

There’s strength in diversity

Winnie the Pooh – A. A. Milne

One of the most philosophical characters of childhood, the diplomatic tact of Winnie the Pooh shows the power of diversity. By focusing on strong relationships and celebrating difference, Pooh and his friends always come good in the end – just as your company should, too.