Poster Child: Youth Leadership And Its Struggles
Young adults are often expected to excel by seizing every opportunity and engaging in extracurricular activities, yet they frequently lack the accompanying that should come with such achievements. They may encounter obstacles, ageism, and discrimination due to their youth and limited experience in their fields or as leaders. This discussion will highlight my personal experiences, such as becoming a department head at a publishing company at 14, a $2M project at 16, and serving as president and CEO of a nonprofit at 18, as well as the challenges I faced as a young leader striving to establish authority hadn't yet attained.
Why?
1
Young people are often encouraged to take on leadership positions
Great leaders are often great followers first.
Following allows you to learn, adapt, and build credibility.
Every leader will follow again when entering new spaces, learning new skills, or growing into new roles.
Teams thrive when members fluidly move between leading and following based on what’s needed.
2
Age-ism can go in multiple directions
Some people report hearing that you can only make a difference when you're young, while other say only when you have enough years and experience. It is clear that biases can be discouraging and limit confidence and agency, which can prevent young people from going out and trying to enact change.
3
Perseverance is a critical skill to cultivate and encourage
It empowers them to face challenges head-on and develop resilience in the face of adversity. By a mindset of determination, we help them understand that setbacks are just stepping stones to success. Encouraging perseverance not only shapes their character but also equips them to inspire others their journey.
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