Fairly Interesting

I'm studying for exams, starting with a class I don't like so much... Organizational Behavior. It's the test structure that stinks, not the content of the class. Anyway, I came across something in my reading that I thought might be worth sharing. The subject matter is self-esteem in the workplace, and how it can be used by managers to predict (and improve) employee behavior. So far, I haven't learned anything beyond common sense, UNTIL, I came across this.

There was a 30 year study done in Britain that interviewed parents of all babies born in the first week of April 1970. These children were then questioned at ages 5, 10, 16, 26, and 30. The focus of the study - self-esteem. The result - a very close correlation between childhood self-esteem and adult success. Here's a direct quote from the findings.
"There is now clear evidence that children with higher self-esteem at age 10 get as much of a kick to their adult earning power as those with equivalent higher maths or reading ability. Childhood self-esteem can overwhelm academic disadvantage or social deprivation in determining future earnings power"

Not earth shattering, but interesting. It reminds me of watching Cissy whisper to Maddie when she was WEEKS old, that she was the most beautiful, the smartest, and the best girl. When Maddie was a little older, Cissy would make up cheers about how great she was. I thought it was just the picture of a Mom loving her kid. Bill probably thought it was crazy. Everyone else probably thought it was just Cissy being Cissy. But who knew she was ensuring her child's earning potential???

So Mat, when you're rich and famous, remember your fairy godmother, will you? I don't think I was the most confident at 10, so you might have to carry me a little.