Why the World Needs Youth Leaders

Gone are the days when the youth was merely seen as the victim or recipient of a particular cause. Today, global organizations and leaders have recognized the need for young leaders and have started treating them as assets and valuable resources.

Here’s why we need youth leaders.

They’re Willing to Get Outside Their Comfort Zones
If there’s one thing Millenials and Baby Boomers have in common, it’s their love for comfort. Leaders from these generations like staying within their comfort zones, and this impacts their decision-making abilities as well. They’re less prone to taking “wild” strategies or swaying too far from what they already know, preferring to keep things as they are instead of going out of their way to bring about transformational changes.

In contrast, Gen Z is a lot bolder and more likely to embrace discomfort and uncertainty if it means revolutionizing the world. Think of all the marches organized and petitions signed by younger folks who don’t shy away from calling out injustices and holding politicians accountable. They’re more willing to step outside their bubble of comfort, kick-start tough conversations, and adapt to uncomfortable situations in order to improve people’s lives. In other words, younger individuals are more willing to make a transformational impact by putting themselves out there.

They Add a Level of Excitement & Enthusiasm
Younger individuals have a certain energy about them that makes them more enthusiastic and excited than others. This is an especially useful leadership trait, as you want leaders who can get their teams excited and enthusiastic about the causes they’re working for. Young leaders add optimism and enjoyment to the work they do, passing on their contagious energy to their teammates.

Think of it this way: instead of leading by pushing their team members to join in the enthusiasm, they lead by pulling them, i.e., lending a helping hand to already inspired and motivated individuals.

They Recognize Opportunities to Make Changes
Finally, young leaders don’t restrict themselves to specific scenarios and conditions. They’re proactive and constantly looking for new opportunities to make an impact.

Take Greta Thunberg, for instance. The young environmental activist has become a symbol of youth leadership over the last couple of years because of her unwavering dedication to fighting climate change and injustice. Even the pandemic hasn’t stopped her from continuing her work. Instead, she has been advocating for her cause in innovative ways and has been persistent with her activism.

Young leaders don’t sit in silence when things seem difficult. They look for new ways to inspire and encourage others around them to make changes.