Younger leaders,
Titles don’t make us leaders any more than standing in a garage makes us cars.
I’m a young-ish executive. There are advantages and disadvantages to this of course. Younger leaders often have a measure of creativity, boldness, and passion, which is great. We have ideas that matter, and energy to make them happen. Whereas some folks might be tempted to accept the status quo, we rarely are. I hope none of that changes.
But it’s also very easy for us—and I’m including myself in this—to almost unwittingly shift from being zealous, knowledgeable, idea-driven, and persistent to ranting, annoying, know-it-alls who aren’t actually leading at all. You remember that one guy that always showed up at parties in high school and college? The one who always had an accomplishment that could one-up everyone else? The one who thought he was the best player on whatever athletic team he played on? If we, as young leaders, aren’t careful, we can become that guy within the larger leadership and/or credit union space.
Here’s the thing: credit unions and other organizations existed, and many did just fine, without us youngsters. We were still soiling our diapers while many within the industry were fighting tough battles on behalf of the credit union movement.
What we need is young leaders who are humble enough to admit we don’t know everything, don’t have all the answers, and do need tons of help and mentoring from those who have more experience and perspective than we do.
We need young leaders who will ask themselves tough questions. Questions like “Do I get more excited about my name in bright lights or actually propelling my organization forward?” Or, “What am I doing right now to learn from others outside my own generation?” Or even, “Do I spend more time talking about how no one else has it figured out like me than I do actually working selflessly toward solutions?”
To more experienced leaders: Thank you. Thanks for your tireless work. I hope my generation runs our race as well as you’ve run yours.
But we need your help. We need you to be patient with us and give us opportunities to lead. We need you to come alongside us and coach us when we’re getting arrogant rather than just casting stones from afar. When it’s appropriate, we need you to give us space to try new approaches and test new ideas. We need you to continue to show us what leadership looks like, but understand that we won’t always do it just like you would.
You’re battle-tested; we’re battle ready. You’ve earned your stripes. Now it’s time for you to help us earn ours. Can you imagine the amazing impact it would have on the credit union industry if younger leaders and more experienced leaders locked arms and tackled our challenges together?
Young leaders, let’s keep and fuel our drive and passion, but let’s also embrace humility and accountability. More experienced leaders, come alongside us. Coach us. Mentor us. Help us mold and harness our positive attributes into tools that will better equip us to lead and serve.
Let’s do this. Together.
