The natural connection between kids and seniors is undeniable.  I believe it’s because they are two sides of the same coin who speak a common language.  The former is pure innocence while the latter is simply innocence purified – something we often call wisdom.   The very young and very old see the world with a level of clarity that we only deign to see.  They process life in ways we cannot and because of this, they share a special understanding and an extraordinary bond.

Ever wonder what happens to us during all those years in the middle?  Why do we make life so complicated?  Why do we work so hard to learn so much only to realize that we know so little?  It’s what e.e. cummings describes this way:  “all ignorance toboggans into know.”  It seems there should be a way to avoid this senseless journey.

Now that said, we know people who are exceptions to the rule.  The very best leaders I’ve ever met, for example, certainly fall into this category.  I’m not sure if they’re tapping into their inner child or just wise beyond their years, but they enjoy a special quality that most of us simply do not possess.   I know you’ve met them.  They can extract clarity from complexity with astounding ease and connect the dots in ways most of us just can’t.

Tell us about the person in your organization who managed to avoid the roller-coaster ride from innocence to wisdom.  More importantly, ask them how they did it and please share their secret!