Asking me to predict what my kids will choose to play with is like asking me to predict the winning Powerball numbers.
Simply ain’t worth the effort.
Who would have known that my son Barak would find Tupperware more entertaining than toys and books?!?
The lesson for me is instead of trying to predict what he will like, create a safe space for him to explore, experiment, and discover what he likes on his own. This means that in this context, my role is more supportive and behind the scenes than it is an active and center stage.
For my Excel clients and students, I do my best to instill in them an understanding of how to play a supportive role with the spreadsheets they create for their clients and stakeholders.
Let the end-user explore on their own, and be ready to adapt the spreadsheet to better meet their needs and interests as they become more clear.
Has your child or stakeholder ever surprised you by showing interest in something you never thought they would? I would love to hear about it in the comments.