Our parents and siblings have influenced all of us, as youngsters, since we were born. We observe them and learn from them. Our parents teach us how to behave.
We are praised for good behavior and reprimanded for bad. We mimic our siblings and sometimes we challenge them. Our neighborhood, childcare, education and friends also influence us.
Our teachers and lecturers play a role. But the strongest source of early influence is Family Influence, particularly from our parents. When this influence is positive, it invariably shapes our values, attitudes, behavior and work habits.
This stays with us for a long time, even into adulthood. Where this occurs, in other words where influence, particularly from parents, is positive, I call such young beneficiaries, Protgs. In my study of 100 people who became world famous through their successes, I discovered 65% of them were Protgs, when they were young.
Others when young, but not a large number, come from wealthy families. They often receive their main influence from others beyond the family, for example at elite schools. Silverspoons is the name I accord to such youngsters, and’% of them were thus, according to my research involving the study of 100 bios of world famous successful people.
Yet others, but a minority, have more of an independent streak, as demonstrated by how they live their lives and by how they behave as youngsters. Their family is less important to them. They prefer to do their own thing than follow the family. They often row with their parents, particularly when they don’t get their own way.
This seems to be the case, particularly when a young person is less loved, treated insensitively, or seen as an inconvenience. Or where they are chastised by negative role models. This behavior can also occur when young people are micro-managed by overly perfectionist parents.
This can also happen when youngsters are detached by parents who seem to be more preoccupied with their work, than giving their children their full attention. This also happens where interpersonal relationships are thin and lacking in response. I name such youngsters Rebels, and my study of successful people in the world, suggests 17%, or nearly one in five, were Rebels as youngsters.
What are the risks with Silverspoons? And how do you work with young Rebels? This is to increase their chances of surviving, let alone succeeding, in today’s precarious youth employment market.
Whether you are giving, or on the receiving end of family influence, you must check out career advice. Researcher Peter Stephenson’s website is full of freebies, including some free audios on career advice by parents.
