Story Archives of 'kids'

Unruly Kids Make Better Leaders

By Virginia Prescott on Thursday, November 19, 2009.

Kids are notorious for getting into trouble. Whether it’s skipping class, picking fights, or slipping away in the family wagon for a midnight joy ride, mischievous behavior is a headache for most parents. What if breaking some of the rules was actually a sign of a child’s future success?

A new study suggests that children who push boundaries on occasion - like hosting parties while the ‘rents are out of town - are actually more likely to become leaders as adults. That finding flies in the face of the belief that those who follow the rules will make it to the top of the corporate heap someday.

With us to talk about why a little mischief might be a good predictor of a child’s future is Maria Rotundo. She’s an associate professor of human resource management and organizational behavior at the University of Toronto and one of the study’s authors.

Leadership Quarterly: Early Life Experiences as Determinantes of Leadership Role Occupancy (PDF)

Miller-McCune: Destined For Greatness, You Little Scamp

(Photo courtesy foamcow via Flickr/CreativeCommons)

listen: Windows Media | MP3