From August 5-7, 2011, a group of 14 Bow Valley leaders gathered for a weekend of development at Y Leadership. As a final project, the group split into three teams for a Creative Challenge, in which they had only three hours to create a video, podcast or blog that would inspire leadership in their generation. We’re lucky to be able to publish the blog here. Enjoy! – Highline
You Know You’re a Gen Y When…
Photo courtesy flickr.com/photos/rykneethling/
-you made mix tapes for your Walkman
-you can sing the whole rap from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (check out the Carlton dance here)
-you played with Slinkies, Super Soakers, Magic Mud, Pogs and My Little Ponies
-Zack Morris owned the only cellphone on the planet
-you looked things up in an encyclopedia
-Apple was something you ate
-Jennifer Aniston set the trend
-boys asked for the bowl cuts, undercuts or shaved lightning bolts
-you watched the original 90210 or Degrassi
If any of this sounds familiar to you, you’re probably part of what’s known as “Gen Y.” But, did you know that in order to support the infrastructure, the services and qualities we expect in our lives, we need to embrace a new form of leadership? According to this article in the Financial Post, by 2030, one out of five Americans will be over the age of 65. What this means is more work, but less people; greater stress on our health systems; and gaps in leadership and management due to retiring baby boomers.
Whether you like it or not, Gen Y is positioned to be the next generation of leaders.
So, What Does a Gen Y Leader Look Like?
Y Leadership made vision boards about the world we live in and our challenges and opportunities as leaders. Photo courtesy BanffLIFE.
A Gen Y Leader…
- Engages in collaborative and open dialogue
- Is transparent and honest
- Learns from their network
- Is optimistic, eager, committed and passionate
- Is hands-on and engaged
- Values past experiences, but is willing to challenge the process
- Has an entrepreneurial spirit
- Leads by example
- Remains open to feedback
- Isn’t willing to sacrifice values
- Constantly pursues self improvement and awareness
- Values individuality, self-expression and balance
If you’re thinking this isn’t for you, think again. It’s not about being the most charismatic person, standing on your soapbox and preaching to the crowd.
It’s about recognizing what’s worth supporting, then being the second to join.
So, step it up Gen Y! And take courage:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure….Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.… And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson
Still don’t believe us? Check out the shirtless dancing guy:
Resources
Looking to strengthen your leadership skills? The Bow Valley and the web are full of awesome tools for Y Leaders. Check ‘em out!
Books
The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard
The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win through Integrative Thinking by Roger L. Martin
Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life by Paul Ekman
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
Podcasts and Videos
The Banff Centre Leadership Development Podcasts
“Leadership” on YouTube
The Power of Vulnerability
Human Planet Series (BBC)
Organizations
Pacific Centre for Leadership
Websites
In the spirit of Gen Y, we’d love to hear some of your best resources about leadership. Comment here and share!
