I am convinced that we have a higher concentration of the brightest young professionals today than at any other time in history. I am also convinced that there is also a greater need to invest in them more than ever. The future of our world, nation, companies, organizations, and families depends on it!
While the internet age has allowed incredible access to knowledge, it has also created a disconnect between younger and older generations, which is where wisdom is often birthed. Knowledge WITHOUT mentorship creates a wisdom gap and often arrogance. Knowledge WITH mentorship brings a higher level of awareness of what you don’t know and how to best apply what you do know.
In past decades and in many other cultures around the world, older and more experienced men and women have been sought after for wisdom and seen as icons in their communities. We’ve lost that in our American culture and it is hurting us. In your organization, develop a plan to invest in your young leaders.
- Mentor them.
- Listen to them. They often have the ideas for your future success.
- Share with them your learnings from years of experience.
- Offer opportunities for them to try and fail without severe ramifications.
- Pay for them to have a professional coach that will walk alongside them in their development journey.
- Hire trainers who will help them develop “intangible” skills like how to win with people, how to connect with others most effectively, and how to develop a long-term personal growth plan.
- Set up consistent meetings to guide them through challenges and help them capitalize on opportunities.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind. It requires visionary leadership to invest in your young team members. Become intentional about creating the space to invest in them. You’ll be glad you did as they grow to be more seasoned employees.
Be Intentionally Great Today!
