Unveiling the Truth: The ONE barrier ALL industries share in consulting with young people
Antonia Dixey
CEO, Founder and Keynote Speaker | Working with Organizations to Unlock the Power of Generations A <-> Z
Over the past few months, I've had the incredible privilege of leading keynotes across various sectors to offer insight into how businesses and young people can work together to co-produce solutions and create a future that offers inclusive and accessible opportunities for all, including:
It's been an eye-opening journey, and I'd like to share some of my reflections with you all, unpacking the common pain points of senior leaders and organisations across a variety of industries when it comes to consulting with young people.
Common barriers to consulting with young people
I've noticed a striking similarity in every sector I've worked with - the barriers to consulting alongside and with young people remain largely the same. These barriers are not unique to any specific industry but are challenges organisations face across the board. Here are some common themes I've encountered:
Not Knowing Where to Start: Many organisations express uncertainty about how to engage with young people effectively. They want to involve them but often struggle to make the initial change, yet, exploring opportunities to take part in youth engagement training could be the perfect first step.
Dwindling Engagement Numbers: Over time, I've observed that engagement numbers with young people tend to dwindle. Organisations sometimes repeatedly involve the same group of young people, missing out on diverse perspectives and fresh ideas.
Senior Leadership Understanding: Convincing senior leadership of the importance of consulting with young people to make meaningful decisions can be a daunting task. Some leaders still need to grasp the immense value young voices bring to the table and unlock the many benefits they can gain through cross-generational mentoring.
Limited Time and Resources: In today's fast-paced digitally enabled world, organisations are pressured to do more with less. Time and resources are limited, and this often hampers efforts to engage young people effectively and creatively.
However, despite these challenges, the need to work with young people has never been greater. Their insights, creativity, and passion are invaluable assets in solving some of our biggest business challenges.
So, what's the call to action here?
I invite you to book me for a keynote and diagnostic workshop with my Young Consultant Team. Together, we can help your organisation break down these top-down and bottom-up barriers to consulting with young people. We'll provide practical insights and strategies to youth-proof your business, brand or organisation and improve its productivity and performance with young people (naturally). Our Keynotes share 14 years of ideas, tried and tested tools and our secret sauce for the next generation of customers.
I’d love to chat over a virtual cuppa. What are you waiting for? Drop me a message today.
Antonia, that’s a great post. You must be so pleased with recent events and your mission to get GenZ appreciated and respected. Mega congratulations
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant bringing Expertise with Energy | Critical friend to public sector comms leaders | Strategy | Capacity | Training | Wellbeing advocate | Conservation charity trustee
1 年We have LOVED having you and your gang at Comms Unplugged and LGcomms. So much energy and insight and loveliness!