A recent catch via The Art of Manliness, I find these tidbits of wisdom and guidance some of the quintessential factors that drive a life of integrity-
Energetic Men
We love upright, energeticmen.Pull them this way, and then that way, and the other, and they only bend, but never break. Trip them down, and in a trice they are on their feet. Bury them in the mud, and in an hour they will be out and bright. They are not ever yawning away existence, or walking about the world as if they had come into it with only half their soul; you cannot keep them down; you cannot destroy them. But for these the world would soon degenerate. They are the salt of the earth. Who but they start any noble project? They build our cities and rear our manufactories; they whiten the ocean with their sails, andtheyblacken the heavens with the smoke oftheirsteam-vessels and furnace fires; they draw treasures from the mine; they plow the earth. Blessings on them! Look to them,young men,and take courage; imitate their example; catch the spirit of their energy and enterprise, and you will deserve, and no doubt command, success.
FromReadings for Young Men, Merchants, and Men of Business, 1866
A good friend asked me the other day my thoughts on how to lead the millenial generation, basically those born after 1980. We gather thousands of leaders who fit in this category on an annual basis, have several on our staff, and really gear what we do towards an early stage millenial/late stage gen X’er.
So what are some thoughts on leading Millenials?
give them freedom with their schedule
provide them projects, not a career
work, family, social are all intertwined, so make sure the work environment is experiential and family oriented.
tie in compassion/justice oriented causes and opportunities to their projects or environment
embrace social media.
embrace the reality that they grew up with technology such as texting, XBox, laptops, and ipods as the norm
lead each person uniquely; don’t create standards or rules that apply to everyone; customize your approach
provide authenticity and honesty as the norm for the corporate culture.
millenials are not necessarily interested in “climbing the corporate ladder” but instead interested in making a mark and making a difference
not willing to wait- want to make a difference now; so give them opportunities early with major responsibility.
