"OK BOOMER": 5 Ways to Learn + Lead Young

“OK Boomer”. A phrase younger generations use as a response to Baby Boomers and older. It is a “phrase” in 2019 that went viral based on those who are “out-of-touch” of reality and/or “close-minded” opinion(s) to the future.

As leaders, this needs to change.

If you are a BOOMER leader - who wants to be influential and effective - then you will need to learn how to lead young. Here are 5 recommendations:

Learn by Listening

You cannot reach younger generations with 55+ year old managers and CEOS. 55+ year olds will need to listen - to culture, to your children, to your grand-children, to young leaders. Ask good questions. Simply, listen.

Lead through Teams

Younger generations want to grow, build experience, and be mentored. It isn’t simple enough to give “tasks” and “opportunities” for younger leaders. Team building, intentional relationship, and facilitated collaboration attracts and retains those under 40+. This one is key. Be a leader who leads through teams.

Hire Young

Yes, hire young. Hire inexperience. Hire the ideological leader. Why? because they will be the ones influencing and reaching the younger generations, not you. Honestly.

With that said, don’t hire inexperience for executive roles. Create pipelines for young leaders to grow into those roles. Build a culture of leadership development in your organization/business/ministry. This is vital for your organization.

Educate Yourself

Read. And read well. Read from other leaders like you. Read from leaders who have learnt how to lead young. Read from those who have paved the way. Anything from James White, Carey Nieuwhof, Tim Elmore, Leonard Sweet are great.

Think Succession

As a friend, I know you’ve led well, boomer. But, it is also time to think about the future. If you are older than 55, it is time to build a plan, have a succession template, and hire the right people. WHY? Because YOU have the opportunity to either be a building block for your organization or a stumbling block. It is up to you.

Lead well, Boomer. How? Lead young.