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I know two Millennial leaders who are working very hard to prove themselves in their organizations. They both are striving to master the critical skills for their individual careers as well as build meaningful relationships. Both are extremely open to honest feedback, willing to try many of the suggestions offered by bosses and colleagues. They approach each day as an opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills for their toolboxes as well as the chance to share their strong capabilities in order to make a difference. Of course each day may bring its own challenges and yet these young leaders know that by remaining open and genuine they will be doing their very best to contribute. These Millennial leaders are my daughters, representative of an extraordinary group of role models.

[Tweet “Young leaders can teach us a lot about leadership.”]

What ways can young leaders be role models for us? Why might it be the best advice to remain open-minded to this group of individuals? Here are four reasons why: LEAD

 LISTEN

Whatever point we may be in our careers one thing is for sure- When we listen to others, we grow our leadership. Purposefully focusing on what is being shared empowers us to gain insights, which may ignite new ideas and innovations. We all bring different perspectives to our jobs, so why not hear what is being offered?

  • Stay with the speaker and ask clarifying questions.
  • Don’t interrupt until they are finished- Do you really know how they are going to complete their sentence?
  • Multitasking while listening is not strategically listening.
  • Being open-minded when we listen helps us to hear new things without judging.

 EMPOWER

Leaders need to both empower themselves to see their gifts as well as empower others to recognize their strengths and talents. When we help others see their unique abilities we are empowering them to achieve great things. Whether we are a seasoned leader or one who is new to our career, we all have the ability to see talents in others.

[Tweet “We lead when we recognize the gifts in others.”]

  • Reflect on your unique gifts and how to integrate them with your job responsibilities.
  • Offer to share your talents to make a difference. Are you artistic and can contribute your artwork to a social media campaign? Are you easily able to establish rapport with others and can represent your organization at a networking event or with clients?
  • Discover the talents and strengths of those around you and suggest how they may be used at work.
  • Remember we are all gifted in one way or another.

BE AUTHENTIC

My daughters learned from an early age that presenting themselves honestly is the best way to create genuine relationships. When we come as ourselves, others will see us as credible leaders. How to do this?

  • Show both your strengths and blind spots so others can see we are human.
  • Share your narrative- the good, the bad and the ugly.
  • Be honest if there is something you do not know or understand- bosses and co-workers respect us being truthful.
  • Act in a consistent manner so that those around us feel we are reliable.

DREAM

All leaders who want to be influential need to dream. When we have profound vision we become energized with hope and direction. Young leaders bring vibrant new concepts to our organizations, which help us grow.

  • Take time to plan, dream and create each day.
  • Ask others about their dreams and brainstorm ways to make them become reality.
  • When we get too bogged down in routine, we can lose momentum.
  • We cultivate our leadership when we dream.

 

What other ways would you add to grow your leadership and what have you learned from different leaders?

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