Today was the Oregon state Destination Imagination tournament. It’s an all day event where all the DI teams from around the state come to show the results of their months of work. Although team managers are restricted from interfering with a team’s, we can create an environment which the kids can create their own success.

My wife and I started managing two DI teams in October. It seems so long ago now. Not so long in calendar time, but in human time. When kids are given a challenge, time, support, and the freedom to find their own way to solve it, they can do some pretty amazing things. And the growth I’ve witnessed this year has been amazing.

Creating an environment where someone can succeed is a giving act. Parents who are respectful to each other raise, offer opportunities, and give visibly and often raise considerate children. Bosses who give responsibility, freedom, and recognition to their employees create successful employees. Friends who show interest in each other’s successes build each other up.

Parents who yell and argue in front of their children raise children who argue and are insecure. Bosses who intimidate create an environment of fear. Friends who laugh at, not with each other, tear each other down.

Creating a supportive environment for those around you is a giving act. And giving itself may start with that supportive environment.

By creating a supportive environment for someone you may very well be giving them the gift of giving.