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?
Love your post & acronym Terri
Thanks Joy! I had fun thinking up the words and what was meaningful when one leads.
I agree with Joy – love the acronym!
I was especially caught up imagining your daughters showing their strengths and their blind spots at a young age. (Sounds like that had some wise parents teaching them well!) 🙂
I am very impressed with the professionalism of the Millennial generation including my daughters. These young leaders are very self-aware and maybe that has something to do with their overly-involved parents coaching them. In any case, they are incredible assets and leaders in organizations.
Thanks Chery for your great comments!
You have no idea how much I smiled when I got to “D”. Dream!! Yes! It gives energy just to think about the dream not only of what’s possible but what lights us up, what do we most want to do or create. So much good stuff in there!
Also, I love how you’ve honored your daughters with this post. You’ve taught them well since you truly embody all of these leadership qualities.
Thanks Alli for your kind words! I can see that my daughters are taking their leadership seriously and want to make a difference in whatever they tackle.
Dreaming is so important and we need to listen to the younger leaders’ dreams to propel our companies forward. Doing things the same way is just outdated. We need new energy and talent to participate actively in our global world. Your children’s experiences abroad will contribute immensely!
I appreciate your support!
Excellent, Terri! Developing the next generation of leaders is one of the best things a leader can do. And, “do” may be another element, meaning we need to let future leaders do the work and then learn from their successes and mistakes. Opening the arena up for new leaders is a great way to engage and learn – across the generations. Thanks! Jon
You bring up a great point, Jon about allowing the younger leaders to learn from both their successes and mistakes. We do grow the most when we fail because those lessons are ultimately what we remember.
I so look forward to you having the Millennials share their lessons on your blog, ThinDifference! You have always been a great advocate for this extraordinary generation of leaders!
Thanks for your additions!
Terri
Loved the Acronym LEAD and the meaning you attribute to each of the letters. Each of Listen, Empower, Authenticity and Dream (oh yes) is so crucial to lead. Well thought of Terri and I love the way you have expressed the embodiment of these values in your daughters.
Loved your post. Too good.
Sometimes a simple acronym can help leaders reflect on the important attributes of leadership. Then each leader can add their individual passions and gifts to the equation. Although younger leaders may view the implementation of the four ways differently, more seasoned leaders can learn some new perspectives.
Thanks Lalita!
Great article, Terri!
Like everyone else, I’m loving the acronym! They can really help folks remember the points that need to be made.
Loved this: “My daughters learned from an early age that presenting themselves honestly is the best way to create genuine relationships.”
So true, and you’ve been a great mom!
Acronyms do come in handy in helping us to remember values and goals. Powerful words with associations can guide our leadership and empower us to stay true to our journeys.
I appreciate your kind words about guiding my daughters! They are great representatives of an amazing young generation of leaders!
Thanks LaRae!