The Innocence of Little Children

The Innocence of Little Children

I have never had the privilege of being a father. I have been blessed to be an uncle. And, even now as nieces and nephews have children of their own, there are great nieces and nephews being brought into the world of which I am a part. However, I really must think back to about 25 to 30 years ago, when I had two nephews who were a very close part of my life, and from whom great memories were formed. They were always asking me questions about that which was going on around us, and looking to learn about the world of which they were a part. Fortunately, both I and they remember those times very strongly to this day.

In my current stage of life, the closest that I am around little children is generally when I attend Mass on a Sunday morning, or if I am in my local pizza place. It is fascinating to watch them. First there is the curiousness they possess to what may be going on around them. For example, at mass comes their excitement from the things that many times adults may take for granted. When the choir sings, they are looking and paying close attention “to the performance.” As we approach the portion of the mass for the “sign of peace,” they judiciously want to make sure they shake hands with every one around them, even if it means climbing through the entire pew to do so.

Happy innocent little children are inquisitive. They are always looking to learn why things are the way they are. They will ask open ended questions, (the most common and well known one being “Why?”). However, in meeting new people they are seldom judgmental. Networking comes easy for them, because they have not developed “filters” that keep them from connecting with others. And, they have an innate curiosity to learn.

When I meet my clients, I often meet them at some of the most vulnerable times in their life. They may have just been let go of a job that they were in for many years. They are now exploring a world of job search which they have not done for a long time, and which seems so “foreign,” as they are told the types of ways they need to go about it, and the tools they need to use. Often, they are afraid “to put themselves out there,” when that is what they need to do as much as anything else.

Certainly, as a “mature” adult, one wants to be cautious as to ensuring they are pursuing the right roles, the right companies, the right opportunities for themselves. However, there needs to be some of the “little children” traits in them also. They want to be inquisitive and an open-ended questioner. I will admit that if they continually ask others questions always worded as “Why”,” they will put others on the defensive. However, asking open ended questions beginning with words such as What? Where? Who? When? And How?, will prompt conversation from others, particular if the one asking the questions is truly listening and empathizing how they may be able to help with that challenge or problem. Additionally, much like when a group of children who might not know each other get together, and slowly but surely start playing with each other, networking is the “adult equivalent” to that, in terms of getting to know others, what is of interest to them, and whom they may know.

Do little children sometimes feel “vulnerable,” and pull back from fear of getting hurt by others. Certainly, they do. However, they quickly learn if they do not want to be isolated completely by themselves, they need to put themselves out there.

As humans we are born with innate curiosity to learn and explore that which is around us. Some things interest us and others do not. We all have different interests and feelings. However, opening ourselves up to learning more about the world around us, is how we find the things we like, and we are meant to do. If you find yourself forgetting that, take a close look at the little children around you, and how they go about it.