Send to KindleMaybe it’s just me, but it seems like the only time I hear about young people is either when they do something in sports, or when they’re in trouble; and sometimes that’s the same kids. For a refreshing change of pace, I took a couple of days last week to judge speaking contests for the Business Professionals of America. What a great experience! I judged both individual prepared speaking and team presentation events and found a wide variety of techniques and skills and in every case, contestants who definitely showed what outstanding potential there is in our young people.
It’s common when speaking of events such as this to hear the phrase, “everyone who competed is a winner.” That tends to ring a little hollow when you’re watching someone else walk away with the awards. What is absolutely true for this event, is that there were no losers. Each student who competed received valuable suggestions for improvement, but more importantly, accomplished something that isn’t easy. To understand this, put yourself in their shoes. Prepare a presentation that, hopefully, will interest someone else. Then practice, practice, practice when you’d rather be doing something else – anything else. Get on a bus and travel to a new city and stay in a hotel. Okay, that part is probably fun. But the fun is overshadowed by the thought of standing in front of three adults you’ve never seen before.
Now imagine yourself in business attire (not the normal dress of today’s teenager) in a small room with just you and the judges. I’ve done a lot of speaking in a lot of different venues and even I found that to be just a little daunting! See what I mean? Anyone who does all that can’t possibly lose.
There’s another group who didn’t lose; the judges. In fact I think we won! I for one found the event energizing. As each new contestant entered the room I found myself wondering what information they would present, what techniques they would use, what I might learn from them. And yes, I did learn from them.
I also must mention the advisors who ran the event. These were teachers who took extra time to help their students realize what they can become. They provided the students with a great example of a professional event and I was especially impressed with their obvious desire for all contestants to succeed.
As leaders, we can learn from their example. In my study of the various generations in the workplace I’ve found considerable concern about the youngest generation’s ability to communicate, or even to concentrate for more than a few minutes without a computer. This event proved to me that those fears are unfounded. Rather, this generation, like all generations before it, needs some coaching, a little guidance, and some encouragement. What I saw last week were young people who have the drive and commitment to excel at whatever they choose to do. So leaders, don’t worry about these new people entering the workplace. Just give them a little help and watch them soar!
