10 parenting skills that can be transferred to the workplace

As I've previously mentioned my return to work is nearly here and I have a big nauseating knot in my stomach whenever I think about it.  I'm trying not to think about it but of course it's there like a big black cloud looming over the horizon.  But when I'm thinking of my return to work I always come back to the same topic about how undervalued parents are in the workplace which was also compounded further when I read an article from the pantomime villian that is Nigel Farage and how working mothers are worth less to their employers in the city.  So I thought I should list some of the skills that I've developed whilst having kids just in case anyone wonders what a parent can add to their team.  Many of these skills are being used on a daily basis although a couple of them still need refining!

1. Negotiation skills - In my work this is vital especially as I'm in the sales team.  My negotiation skills are worked on a daily basis and they aren't always successful but I'm persevering and hoping that everyone will come round to my way of doing things soon.
2. Picking my battles - As well as negotiation I think as a parent you have to learn which battles to pick.  You can't win them all and that's an important truth so you must pick those battles that mean the most to you and stick to your guns!
3. Tolerance / Patience - Ok, always a work in progress and much like how tiredness affects toddler behaviour, tiredness affects my patience and tolerance levels!  If I'm tired then the fuse is certainly shorter but my patience is developing especially as we find new ways to cope with toddlerhood!  Some techniques work more than others and it's a constant learning curve to see what works and what doesn't....
4. ... Which leads to Creativeness - I'm not just talking about creativeness when it comes to drawing butterflies, bees or doing some baking but creative thinking and ways round situations.  And so much of this is done whilst you're under pressure.
5. Backing down - I'm sure my husband could count on one hand how often I've backed down in the last 10 years! So this has been a big learning for me but one that is useful.  I don't back down when I'm offering an ultimatum even though that would be easier in some situations but there are times when a swift back down can help everyone.
6. Not holding a grudge - If I've ever had a problem or falling out with a person in the past then I would struggle to carry on as normal with that person and always have to avoid eye contact.  But since having a toddler and dealing with tantrums / behaviour I've learnt to let a grudge go.  Once a time out has been spent or a sorry been said then I think it's best to get on with our day than let the annoyance get to me.  It's much better than letting small moments ruin whole days but this is a work in progress especially if my daughter has said sorry but her body language says she couldn't give a damn.
7. Extreme Multitasking - So currently it's lunchtime and I have napping children whilst also doing and hanging up washing, emptying the dishwasher, getting the bags ready for this afternoon, eating lunch, making meals and writing a blogpost!  It's amazing how many plates you can spin at one time and yes sometimes you may drop one but you pick yourself up and carry on.
8. Listening skills - This is such an undervalued skill in work places and life in general.  Listening is vital with a toddler especially when they start to speak.  You have to tune into their words and what they are trying to communicate to you.  I would say that since she's really started babbling my listening skills have really improved, it's amazing what toddlers can teach you!
9. Organisational skills - This was always one of my strengths pre children and it's a strength now in a different way the only downside is that it's let down by my appalling memory!
10. Perseverance - Perseverance to play the long game.  As a parent doing nap training or teaching manners you don't know that they are going to be worth it but you have a hunch that it will be worth it in the long run so you persevere and keep going.

Of course there are a few things that I shouldn't transfer to the business environment:

1. Bribery - Pretty sure if I do this at work that I'd end up in jail!  And I'm not sure how much adults will do what I want for stickers!  I'm finding that stickers in my pocket or bag can help many situations and do often say "do this, that or the other and I'll give you a sticker", wonder how long this will last!
2. Kisses - A kiss and a cuddle from mummy can work wonders but I don't think that offering kisses in a work environment will do me much good! 
3. The naughty step - Although it would be great to put some people on the naughty step at work I don't think it would be widely appreciated.  Plus people prefer to get the lift anyway.