A Vision That Challenges the Group You’re Not In… Yet.
I listened to an Andy Stanley podcast this morning during my workout that really gripped me. I mean, it felt like he reached into my chest, grabbed a hold of my heart, gave it a good jostle, and then set it back in its proper place.
I’m paraphrasing here, but Andy basically said, “How are you, older generation, making sure that you are reaching behind you and giving the younger generation a chance to lead? How are funding a younger generation’s vision? Are you going to fund it, or let it fail?”
Then he dropped another bomb that I pray is seared into my soul for the days ahead: “Once you hit 45, you don’t have any more good ideas. Once you hit 45, it’s your turn to foster and develop and green light the ideas of a younger generation.”
Wow. Coming from a guy who is in his 40′s himself, this was a very powerful teaching moment to listen to.
Everything in me was screaming, “YES!” But how do you live this teaching out when you’re not in the age group he’s addressing? As a matter of fact, you’re the one waiting to “grab the baton,” so to speak. It was like water to my soul to hear him say the things he was addressing. Healing, in a way.
How have you experienced this in your leadership setting? Older leaders, how are you “preparing the way” for a younger generation to not only grab the baton, but run father, faster, and harder than you ever could? Younger leaders, where have you been handed responsibility and authority in a way that has harnessed your gifts and talents?
My prayer is that when the time comes, I’ll be able to “fund” instead of let the ideas of a new generation “fail.” I love how Andy closed the talk, “If you’re in your twenties, soak it up. Really. But be prepared to give someone the same shot that someone gave you!”
Amen, my brother.
I disagree with Rev. Stanley. Yes the older generation often prevents the younger generation from reaching their potential, but history shows us that most people contribute the most to society in the second half of their life. This may be due to the fact that the older generation before those people limited their potential as well, but it may also be due to development, life experience, faith formation, and a basket of other issues.
I know that our society is going through a great deal of change as our paradigms change, our views of age, power, and success change, and as our notions of God change the younger generation often expresses themselves the loudest, but if you notice, the older generation is right there with them in many cases.
New ideas come from all arenas of life, and not just from the younger generation. Still, I do agree that the younger generation, and all people must be given a chance to change the world for the better, and the older generation (usually male and white) do not allow the younger and different generation to actively participate in the leadershipof the church or the world, and the younger generation more and more resents them. A divide is being created, and what you have to say is true, both sides must be willing to do something.
I really like this. I'm wondering, Jonathan, if you could share some of the ways in which each side of the generational table could "do something" like you mention in your comment.
In other words, what does each generation, young and old, need to bring to the table in order to make the "transition" work. As a younger leader, I am seeing that there will HAVE TO be a time when the older generation passes on responsibility, if not by choice than it will happen when they die. Not to be crass, but that's the reality.
I want to know what people think so I can better navigate leadership issues now AND when I'm in the stage of life when I'm transitioning out. What are the ways you see that being made possible?
Great comment. More like yours!
Sorry to take so long to get back to you. Life is crazy and I needed time to think.
I think first, humility and an awareness of the presence of the divine is necessary for any progress or conversation.
Then I think people need to understand basic developmental theories for young adults versus middle age or older adults. In Erikson's theory people who are older have a generativity vs stagnation, and the middle age has a integrity vs. despair. The feelings of either accomplishing something and leaving a legacy battle with fears of failure and worthlessness in life. People want to leave an impression in life, want to help the younger generation, but they also want to leave their mark. So when the younger generation wants to take away their marks, and change things, they become disgruntled and still think their ideas are valid and worth keeping.
The younger generation, however, is often offended by this generation, often being their parents' generations which they recently "escaped" control from in adolescence and have no desire to return to, so even when their is help involved they think of it as parenting and controlling (I am guilty of this) and want to rebel. So both sides continue to build up walls.
So a basic understanding of generational differences and an openness for dialogue are necessary to deal with these issues.
Also, a good sense of humor and great resources help.
Please note, I am not an expert on this, I am just commenting based on my limited experience with education, developmental and leadership theory in my ministries and schooling.
I hope this helps to further conversation.