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Most jobs? They come through someone you know—not some perfect resume.
But here’s what teens don’t hear enough: being good isn’t enough. If no one sees your value, it’s like it never happened.

A smart question at the right moment can change how a teacher, boss, or coach sees your kid.

Check out this awesome resource that your kids might enjoy: 📊 Source: U.S. Department of Labor – “Networking” PDF

🌱 This is Future-Ready Parents—where we turn parenting worries into small, practical wins that build confident, tech-savvy kids (and calm, capable parents).

🔍 What to Expect

Today’s tool gives your teen a way to get noticed without being loud—at school, on the job, or anywhere they want to grow.

🎓 Why This Matters

You probably grew up thinking: “If I work hard, my boss will notice and I’ll quickly get promotions and salary increases.”

Something I’m learning in my mid-40s though…that idea sounds comforting. But, it’s also outdated.

Harvard research shows that people don’t get promoted—or hired—because they’re the smartest in the room. They get ahead because they’re good at spotting what others care about—and then delivering on it.

This morning I binge-listened to a Mel Robbins podcast that had uncountable nuggets of career advice. My biggest takeaway—master the art of communication and you’re going to be lightyears ahead of others.

But not just any communication. Learn how to ask questions and find out exactly what somebody else needs. Then, let them understand how you will help them meet those needs and wants. Check it out for yourself, link below:
🎧 Mel Robbins podcast with Harvard’s Prof. Alison Wood Brooks

But here’s the catch: most kids struggle to speak up—even when they need help.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities found that many students skip accommodations they qualify for because it feels awkward or intimidating to ask.
📚 Source: NCLD – Self-Advocacy Education

That doesn’t just disappear in adulthood.

It shows up in job interviews, group projects, even friend dynamics—when your kid needs to ask for better shifts, more responsibility, or just to be taken seriously.

You don’t need to give them a confidence speech.

You can give them something better: a few smart questions that change how others see them.

🛠 The Tool: The Visibility Builder

We all want our kids to “speak up,” but real influence doesn’t come from talking louder.
It starts with asking better questions—especially in small moments that matter.

🧰 Try this 3-question script with your teen. It works in school, part-time jobs, clubs, sports—anywhere they want to grow.

1. “What does success look like to you in this class/project/role?”
👉 Helps your teen understand expectations without guessing.
Example: “What makes this an A project?”

2. “What’s the most helpful thing I could do for the team or class right now?”
👉 Shifts their posture from “prove myself” to “contribute.”
Example: “Where do you need extra hands backstage?”

3. “Is there something I could do differently that would really stand out to you?”
👉 Signals maturity, growth mindset, and initiative.
Example: “What would make me a no-brainer pick for Saturday shifts?”

This isn’t about teaching your kid to perform.
It’s about showing them how to connect—and that’s what makes people remember you.

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BEFORE YOU GO…

This week, you’re teaching your kid something most adults still struggle with:
How to make their value visible—without becoming someone they’re not.

And you didn’t need a TED Talk to do it. Just something as simple as those three smart questions.

Until next time,
James Brauer
Founder, Future-Ready Parents