Right in the thick of COVID-19, RainTree ran our Empowered Leaders group coaching journey with a Waste management business. The owner of the business had realised that his management team had some young leaders who he wanted to see step into their power to be more effective.
He had two key reasons for this need.
Firstly, he wanted there to be improved communication within the leadership team to navigate the complexities they were facing and, secondly, he wanted the team to lead their teams effectively. This need was elevated by the uncertain and challenging COVID world the business had been foisted into. He believed, and believes, that the young leaders in his team are the future that will take the business to the next level which is why he invested in the coaching journey with us.
The programme consists of 10 sessions of 2 hours that ran every two weeks for five months. As we journeyed together, the young leaders explored their ability to be authentic in their leadership of themselves, their teams, and as part of the leadership team.
They began to implement boundaries and have honest conversations.
They realised the power and value of providing and receiving feedback. The team stepped into their courage. The young managers especially, started to contribute their full value to the business and became key influencers and decision makers.
When I connected with the owner 6-months after the coaching journey had concluded, he was still impressed by the confident, constructive, and courageous team leading his business. He was especially impressed by his young managers and the impact they were making on his business.
So, why do I tell you this story?
In my coaching of senior leaders, a common theme that presents itself is the challenges that these leaders face managing their young leaders. The word “Millennial” is seldom used without a sigh and expressions of frustration. A key principle of coaching is that we cannot change someone else, we only have the power to change ourselves.
As my coachees that are leaders make authentic changes to how they manage their young managers and support them to step into their leadership and management power, the young managers begin to change themselves.
Suddenly the incredible gifts that are part of being a Millennial or Generation Z bear fruit. More importantly, the young managers and the older leaders find common ground through honest conversations, powerful discussions and debates and a willingness to work together to achieve a common goal, the success of their business.
So, in Youth Month, I challenge you all, rather than wanting others to change, look at what is in your power to change in dealing with others.
This shift in perspective will empower you to be creative and bring out the best in yourself and those you are leading.