Learning to talk, with someone who can’t

Learning to talk, with someone who can’t

Bowie knows what she wants in life.

But Bowie doesn’t have many words.

Sounds like most kids right?

But, Bowie is 4.

Whilst a ‘normal’ 4-year old would be asking ‘Why?’ 368 times a day and tearing around a playground, Bowie battles the most basic tasks.

She can’t dress herself, or use a toilet, and simply staying upright whilst walking is difficult.

Language is also a big challenge, especially when combined with physical fatigue.

To us, the frustration of losing a toy seems trivial.

But for her, searching for it requires a level of focus and energy that it is overwhelming, and this reflects in her communication.

She does her best to wrap her tongue around the things she’s seeking; points, gestures and issues increasingly demanding dictates.

In other words, she screams a lot - a challenge far greater than anything I face in business, both physiologically and psychologically.

Viewed through the lens of ordinary life, Bowie is difficult, and demanding.

But more often than not, the screaming is just a plea to be heard.

She will often attempt a word, and repeat it again and again with increasing volume until she is hysterical.

But the moment we say the word she is searching for, she instantly calms.

And that, is a perfect illustration of all humanity.

Business or personal, we’re all just looking to be seen and heard.