Challenges Of Being A Young Leader

There is no doubt that unique challenges are associated with being a young leader. However, once a person realises that they have the ability and the willingness to lead, they should make it their priority to do so. Many young persons have the ability to take on leadership roles but lack the willingness.

Everyone has their own set of reasons why they choose not to lead or press for leadership roles. I realised what was key for me was being confident in my ability and ridding myself of the fear of failure.

I believe there are added pressures placed upon young leaders which are unique from that of other demographics in leadership.  A young leader has a harder time proving or convincing persons that they have the knowledge and skill sets required to be effective.

At times, it may be extremely difficult to get the respect and buy-in from persons whom have been in organizations many years before your arrival or from persons who have literally watched you grow and develop.

I have come to the conclusion that, in order to effectively lead persons who are senior to you in age, one must earn the respect and support from those individuals. A young leader must convince individuals that they are capable of leading.

Mind frame shifts and the changes needed for a young leader to attain the buy-in from more senior individuals does not happen overnight; this is achieved through a series of defining moments.

Defining moments are occasions within a leader’s tenure when they prove their ability. Joseph Badaracco, Professor of Business Ethics at Harvard Business School, concluded that, “defining moments have three characteristics: they reveal, they test, and they shape.”

Persons observe their leaders during these moments and these moments allow individuals in an organization to assess and formulate a fair conclusion of their leader. Shining during defining moments allows a leader to build confidence and trust, motivating and inspiring those that they lead.

Young leaders remain a minority within all organizational categories and generally there is not a strong push from organizations as a whole to guide capable young persons into leadership positions. There are plenty of training and development opportunities offered to young persons but we are still told or reminded that we must wait our turn.

I was told the same during my journey, however I truly believe that I operate according to God’s will and that being a leader in the labour movement is my calling, so I was determined to push through adversity.

As young leaders although we face adversity we must not look at our elders as adversaries. The Bible tells us that the glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is their grey head.

I have realised that as a young leader I must lead boldly recognizing that I must look to my elders for council as they have valued wisdom.

I hope this inspires another young person to simply lead.

#Hayward