Unlocking Youth Potential: Leadership Lessons for Guiding the Next Generation

Last week, I found myself amidst thunderstorms, mosquitoes, and dozens of teenagers at Lake Houston for the Academia in Motion (AIM) Summer Camp, where I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker. AIM, a non-profit organization in Houston, has been transforming the lives of Texas youths for years. Marcie Brooks, the founder, invited me earlier this year to focus on the mental health needs of teens preparing to enter college. This experience was nothing short of beautiful, filled with profound insights and valuable lessons for all leaders, especially those guiding Gen Z and Gen A as they prepare to enter the workforce.

The Misunderstood Younger Generation

As leaders, we often hear that the younger generations are out of sync with reality, labeled as entitled or even lazy. But let me tell you, after spending time with these young scholars, I can confidently say that these stereotypes are not just misleading—they’re absolutely wrong.

These youngest Zoomers and earliest Alphas are carrying the keys to a future our ancestors desperately designed for us in their greatest hopes. They are compassionate; they respect nature; they see the inner turmoil of their peers, and they are deeply aware of the areas where they need to improve their mental health. As a true millennial, it made me lowkey proud to see these scholars in action; giving hope that the future of business will continue toward equity, inclusion, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. This is the potential of our youth when given the opportunity to explore, express, and grow.

Embracing Inquiry-Based Leadership

At AIM, I chose to take the path of inquiry in my approach to speaking with the teens. I wanted to address their immediate concerns, which I assumed would be vastly different from those I’ve worked with in California for the last 25 years. I should’ve known better—they weren’t. The path of inquiry asks leaders to question for understanding rather than dominance. ('Tell me your perspective on this...' | 'What could we be missing here?' | 'Is there a better way to understand...?')

The big three concerns for teenagers were managing high levels of stress related to schoolwork and home life, peer pressure on social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, and depression stemming from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Over three days, we engaged in intense discussions about coping strategies, mental health goal setting, and understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Creating Safe Spaces for Mental Health Conversations

Initially, many of the participants were skittish about therapy, either due to lack of access or distrust in the medical system. However, by the final evening, I saw them blossoming and affirming each other for the stories they didn’t see initially through the masks we all wear. They came out of their shells to lift each other up with resonances of “things will get better,” “we can all make it,” and “keep the faith.”

This transformation underscores the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue and encouraging peer support within our organizations. The next generations need to know that their feelings are not only heard, but valuable. They need leaders that are compassionate in order to produce the magnificent talent beneath the onion layers of their spirits. (I know this makes old school leaders uncomfortable because we come from generations that preached "leave your feelings at the gate"). But remember, the future is already here and we must meet our new generations where they want us to...not where we want to. It was heartwarming to witness the humanity that is still very much alive and well among our youth.

Recognizing and Leveraging the Strengths of Younger Generations

The younger generations are often misunderstood. They are not out of sync; they are not entitled or lazy. They are deeply compassionate and aware of the world around them. They respect nature, and they understand the importance of mental health. Leaders must challenge existing biases and recognize the potential and strengths of these younger generations.

During the camp, engaging in outdoor activities like freeze tag or frisbee led to a temporary disappearance of cell phones and devices. This suggests that incorporating nature and play into our work environments can foster better mental health and team cohesion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest activities can have the most profound impact. 谷歌 in Santa Monica has several different play areas for their employees equipped with classic video games, beach trails, and sports equipment. I could certainly use a beach volleyball break midday at work sometimes.

Leadership Lessons for the Future

1. Embrace Inquiry-Based Leadership: Cultivate a culture of curiosity and active listening. By asking the right questions and genuinely seeking to understand our teams, we can foster deeper connections and more effective solutions.
2. Create Safe Spaces for Mental Health Conversations: Prioritize mental health by providing resources, encouraging open dialogue, and creating a supportive environment where employees feel safe to share their struggles.
3. Recognize and Leverage the Strengths of Younger Generations: Challenge stereotypes and biases about younger employees. Recognize their strengths and leverage these qualities to build a stronger, more empathetic organization.
4. Incorporate Nature and Play into the Workplace: Promote activities that allow employees to unplug and connect with nature. This can improve mental health, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community and teamwork.
5. Celebrate Small Wins and Affirmations: Encourage a culture of affirmation and support within the organization. Celebrate small wins and recognize the efforts and achievements of team members regularly.

Keynoting at the AIM Summer Camp was a transformative experience that reinforced the importance of compassionate, inquiry-based leadership. These young individuals are not just our future—they are a testament to the hopes and dreams our ancestors envisioned. Perhaps this is what the late great Whitney Houston was trying to tell us back in 1984... I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.

As leaders, we must embrace these lessons, create environments that support mental health, recognize the potential of younger generations, and foster a culture of play and affirmation. By doing so, we can unlock the true potential of our teams and inspire a brighter, more empathetic future.

Be Curious. Be Compassionate. Be Transformative. Be Future-Ready.

Be Healed.

Dr. Golden