Community of Practice
Saturday, May 28, 2011
How can we connect the old with the new
Many of our corporate leaders, CEO, Presidents etc are in their mid sixties. How do these leaders connect to the youngest workers coming into our organizations. Or do they? Imagine the shift. All this talk about how truly different this newest worker is Is a connection possible between the 65 year old executive and the 24 year old employee? My suspicsion is that it would take a significant amount of work to connect these two groups of people in a meaningful way. As I research the attributes of the 20somethings I can't help but think it must be difficult to find common ground. Are we leading organizations in 2011 as if it were still 1970 and if so what are the implications for the 20something.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
WOW, Inspiration comes from the Millennials
We, the older workers, have a ton to learn from this new generation. I am so excited to explore the attributes, natural talents and incredible intuitive abilities of our younger workers. They seem to have skills that many of us only think about or are only learning in the twilight of our working life. The intuitive skills and evolution that I, and many of my friends, have gone through over the past 10 to 15 years are things our 20 year olds already know. WOW. That is inspiring to me.
New World Leaders recognize that this younger generation has a huge amount to teach us about connection, intuition, truth telling, and the infinite possibilities that await us. The collective energy of a team, the positive united collective energy of a team, will make the difference between those companies that are highly prosperous and those that are not.
New World Leaders need to be genuinely curious about the young workers on their teams. Must explore their gifts and talents. And will discover a highly evolved generation chomping at the bit to run with projects, responsibility and vision.
Sounds good, don’t you think? Then why do we have so much trouble seeing this new reality? What are the barriers we keep tripping over? And how do we remove them so that we can all benefit from the power of today’s young people?
What do you think?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The BIG Shift: Are we fundamentally changing?
For a while now, I have been pondering the generational differences and, through reading and dialogue with others, I am coming to believe that a significant shift is taking place. My kids are 26, 25 and 23 years old. They are highly intuitive, introspective, and seem to have a connection to themselves, their families, their friends and the universe in general, in a way that I could never have imagined when I was their age. Why is this? I don’t think I am alone in this observation – or in asking, “Why now?”
Recently, having lunch with a senior VP of a large organization, I discovered that she, too, was wondering why is there such a significant shift in this younger generation. What makes them so different?
My children have taught me an enormous amount about life, and many parents my age say the same thing about their children. I know I did not have this effect on my parents. In fact, the evolution of my parents seems much slower than my husband and I have experienced.
But I can hear you asking: “What has all this got to do with New World Leadership?” And I’m here to tell you: “Everything!” Because, if we are going to lead this younger generation into their leadership roles before we retire and pass the torch, then we must genuinely understand them, recognize their talents and appreciate their potential.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
On to something completely different
A significant shift in the air is in the air. If you read or listen to many spiritual leaders, business leaders, and those who continually seek to understand, you will have noticed what I have: There is a common theme. We are in the midst of a significant shift. Humanity is fundamentally changing. Our needs, desires, focus and intentions are changing overall.
Why do I say this? In my Mastermind group I posed this question, shared some of my recent learning and discovered that my fellow group members also thought something is significantly different.
What if the younger generation, just entering the workforce, is fundamentally different than the baby boomers, who entered the workforce more than a generation ago? What if the young people’s thinking, their intrinsic needs, their natural skills and their abilities have evolved beyond what those of us at the age of 50 can imagine?
One of my Mastermind group members said, “We have been trying to figure out our younger workers for some time and they just are not like any other generation. Maybe this is not just a generational thing, but rather a shift in human evolution.”
I’m excited at this possibility. How about you? What do you think?
Saturday, March 05, 2011
New World Leaders Know what we are looking for
NW Leaders know that employees are looking for their work to bring value into their lives. NW Leaders recognize that we cannot continue to manage (lead) in the same way we have for the past 50 years.
The newest generation of workers is showing us the way to a better work life. NW Leaders know it’s important to listen closely to this younger generation, so that we can shift our practices to ensure we meet the constituents’ needs.
Providing environments in which employees can contribute in a meaningful way is crucial, and NW Leaders know how to build these environments. We ask: “What jazzes you?” “How can I help you create the work environment you need?”
NW Leaders have real conversations. Listen with open ears and heart. And nurture a calm sense of evolution.
