As we approach Father’s Day, a familiar tune has been circling my brain all week. “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is a song my dad introduced me to during one of our many road trips we took growing up. We’d cruise along the highway bobbing our heads to the band’s harmonies and Jerry Garcia’s pedal steel guitar. As a child, I didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics or what the song was about, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the lyrics and meaning behind the song.

The concept is simple; teach your children well so that they (and the world) can have a better future. While, I don’t have children of my own, I have benefitted greatly from the many lessons learned from my dad and grandpa. They have been twin pillars in my life – providing me with guidance and help whether I asked for it or not. They taught me how to live life with integrity, encouraged me to follow my passions, and passed along wide range of “dad jokes” and goofy humor.

There’s so much we can learn from the internet or from learning programs, but some of life’s lessons are best learned from the fathers in our lives or whoever fills the “father” role in your world. That being said, we reached out to the Litmos team to get insights on what they’ve learned from their fathers!

Independent Women

My dad taught me how to be independent and strong, while also loving those around me with an open and forgiving heart. As you can see in the pic, he also taught me how to enjoy people, have fun, and laugh a lot! The only thing he didn’t give me were those gorgeous blue eyes. Bummer for me! But at least one of my brothers did inherit those.

– Samantha Lang, Content Director

The Truth Will Set You Free

My dad taught me about always being fair and sticking to the truth. He told me to own my mistakes, and that learning comes from trying. He is kind and I enjoy sitting with him not saying a word watching fish nibble on our fishing rods.

– Krista Glantschnig, Chief Operating Officer

The #1 Rule

My dad taught me Rule #1, which I have passed down to my two boys. What is Rule #1? Don’t do anything stupid.  Except for almost every major decision in my life, I have followed it to a T.

– Rich Henderson, Director, Customer Success

The Ultimate Girl Dad

My dad! He taught me to be strong and to never give up on anything I believe in. He passed his love for football (Go Raiders!), cheeseburgers, and beer to me. He has a tough exterior, but anyone who knows him knows he’s a softy for his girls.

– Nikki Yttermalm, Executive Assistant

Never Give Up

It might not be Father’s Day (yet) in Australia, but it is Australian Football League season! My dad waited 31 years with patience, dedication to his team and unwavering passion between premierships. I think that says a lot about the kind of man he is. There’s nothing I’ve pursued in life without knowing I have the love and support of my dad. He always tells me to “get in there for your chop!” That’s dad-speak for: “Don’t give up! Don’t miss out because you’re not brave enough to try.”

— Stephanie Robertson, Marketing Coordinator

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Three generations – me, my Dad, and my son. This is a rare picture where all three of us had “real” smiles, not the forced kind that my Dad was famous for. It’s a bittersweet time of year for me, as we lost him about a year ago. He was one heck of an accomplished man who ran a Fortune 500 company for 20 years and was a pillar of the Houston community. I’m not sure I could accomplish as much as he did in two lifetimes. One of the many lessons I learned from him was “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

– Peter Cizik, VP Business Development

Setting the Bar High

Not to be rude, but my dad is the best dad! He set the bar high for all men. Always has our back. He taught us to be strong, independent, and to not be afraid to stand up for what we believe and to never settle for less. He’s my hero!

– Christine Geraci, Content Manager