The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 64: Understanding the Next Generation Helps You Mentor Them

When asked, “who should I mentor?” we’ve long said the ideal spread between mentor and mentee is at least two seasons of life. This creates enough distance that the mentor has had the time to process his experience and develop the confidence that he can answer the questions he’ll be asked.

But another thing this distance creates is intergenerational relationships. According to Barna, “men who report having intergenerational friendships…are nearly twice as likely to be very satisfied in their relationship with their child and in their marriage.”

While these relationships are critical, if we want to influence the next generation, it’s not enough to interact with them. We need to understand them, their perspectives, and how they think. Across generations, we see differing opinions on topics like marriage and parenting and things like work and relationships with technology. There are pros and cons to all of these.

If our job as mentors is to love and serve the mentees God places in front of us, we need to be willing to step carefully into these conversations in an informed way, with an openness of Spirit that allows us to lead with empathy. Our mentees won’t listen to us if we don’t show a willingness to listen to them.

Mentors, the resources below will help you better understand the next generation as you seek to lead them well.

WHAT NEXT GENERATION LEADERS ARE FOCUSED ON

On this episode of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, Kara Powell shares three big questions the next generation is asking, centered on identity, belonging, and purpose. And how you can help young leaders struggling with anxiety, depression, and life.

Listen to the episode here.

BEN STUART: INSTRUCTING THE NEXT GENERATION

In this recording of his talk from Mentor Summit 2021, pastor and author Ben Stuart shares how the atmosphere today has changed and what that means for the next generation. Then he unpacks how we as mentors, can use our wisdom to come alongside them.

Watch the video here.

5 SHIFTS TO MAKE WHEN LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION

In this blog post, pastor Josiah Kennealy reminds us that as the world changes and people change, so must our leadership. He shares five areas where we would do well to adjust our approach if we desire to serve the next-gen well, things like “talking with” not “talking about.”

Read the blog here.

HOW FOUR GENERATIONS DIFFER IN THEIR APPROACHES WORK

In this podcast, leadership expert Tim Elmore discusses how the generational diversity we feel isn't going away and how to build bridges rather than walls with other generations. It’s focused on work, but the insights are helpful for anyone interacting with other generations.

Listen to the episode here.