There’s no sugarcoating the turbulence communities near and far to home are experiencing today. From the refugee crisis to the #MeToo campaign, more and more individuals are coming out of the shadows shedding light on the injustice and transgressions that have gone on in our world long enough. These people, the young leaders of our society, are the ones reshaping our future, laying the groundwork for a life in which respect, legality, tolerance, and diversity are accepted with open arms.
The young leaders that are making the differences, all have a few characteristics in common. What makes a once-in-a-generation leader? Here are the 5 traits that stand out:
- Courage: The likes of Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Matt Louer, and so forth have managed to silence victims for decades, threatening their wellbeing and livelihood with jobs, money, and defamation. In order to overcome the bullies, young leaders are demonstrating a remarkable amount of courage to step past the boundaries, taking their grievances into the spotlight. Around the world, such courage can be life-threatening.
- Awareness: Young leaders shaping our world have an uncanny listening ability, taking in all the stories, comments, and information, absorbing every last piece of it. In the past, such stories were swept under the rug, with no one shining the much-needed spotlight. This kind of awareness is shaping what it means to be a leader in the future world we are to inherit.
- Headstrong: When it comes time to break down a century-old tradition or challenge a norm that has been in place for hundreds of years, young leaders need to have a conviction; a headstrong passion for getting it done. The leaders of our young time have demonstrated a willingness to persevere despite all odds.
- Initiative: Being a young leader today is about more than challenging the status quo; it’s also about inventing an initiative that mobilizes the masses and develops a movement around something bigger than ourselves. Taking initiative to start something creates a community where like-minded individuals can come together and work towards a brighter future.
- Responsibility: Young leaders today aren’t afraid to take responsibility for their actions, as well as for the actions of the greater group. Passing blame onto the next person doesn’t earn a young leader a spot at the negotiation table. Today’s leaders aren’t afraid to shy away from the blame and the finger-pointing, working past it to achieve something remarkable.
Our Reshaped World
From NBA champ Stephen Curry to plus-sized model Ashley Graham, to philanthropists Fagan Harris, Marisa Renee Lee, and Veronika Scott, together, they are working to create a new kind of society, one that is inclusive, supportive, accepting, and loving. Exhibiting steadfast commitments to responsibility, courage, and initiative, these are the young leaders that are out in the field, walking the walk. Best of all, they are encouraging the upcoming class to follow in their footsteps.
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Written By: Evelyn Cosme MA, MS/Leadership Strategist/Executive Women’s Coach/Speaker/Trainer/Author/Spiritual Healing Advisor
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