Keep the Flame of Leadership Burning: Nurture Meaning and Unity in Today’s World

Summary: In a world that seems to have lost its way, preparing today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges is imperative. Here are guidelines to inspire leaders toward a path of purpose and positive collaboration.

Dear Dr. Sylvia,

I have been a leader in a well-established organization for over ten years.

Sadly, I am shocked at the superficial and meaningless questions that many in the next generation of leaders ask me.

I mentor college MBA students as my way of giving back. Recently, I have felt like a stranger in a strange land.

For example, many next-gen leaders have as their goal to be an influencer on social media.

Thus, I often get superficial and meaningless answers when I ask them what being an influencer means.

They often respond, “What don’t you understand? Being an influencer is a great way to earn money without working too hard.” I even get comments like, “Hey, this is a way to become famous.”

When I ask, “Famous for what?” there is a long silence. And then a reply that leaves me frustrated.

What does it mean to be an influencer in today’s marketplace?

They say variations of “Being an influencer today is like being a rock star in past generations.”

However, when I comment that most rock stars are talented, and what about you as an influencer, I get comments like, “You don’t need talent; you just need to be on social media a lot!”

Enough complaining.

Years ago, you did an “In Search of Meaning” program that morphed into “Total Leadership Connections.”

As a leader, I need more connections to the younger leaders.

Signed,

Searching for Meaning

We live in a world where we all search for meaning

Dear Searching for Meaning,

We are all looking for ways to be more connected and unified.

Today’s generation of emerging leaders faces unique challenges, including the pervasive influence of technology, social and political divisions, and environmental concerns.

However, by instilling a sense of meaning and promoting positive behavior, we can empower leaders to become catalysts for positive change.

Let’ ‘s explore how we can give today’s next generation the spark of meaning in a world that sometimes forgets the importance of collective harmony.

Firstly, here is a short video of world-renowned psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. He lived through the Holocaust and wrote the book on most must-read lists, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” on which our early program you mentioned was based.

In this video, he discusses life’s need for meaning and purpose. Please take some quiet time and watch. It is like a north star for these complex times.

Secondly, we need to include, not ignore, all the new technologies that are now available.

Foster connection through digital citizenship

In an era dominated by technology, teaching about digital citizenship is crucial.

This requires discussions on encouraging responsible online behavior in today’s young people.

Instilling values of respect, empathy, and responsible use of social media is vital.

Those who are experts in using social media can encourage positive online interactions and discussions, fostering a sense of community rather than division.

Now, THAT is what leadership is all about!

Cultivate empathy and understanding to build a more compassionate society

Empathy is the cornerstone of positive behavior. By understanding diverse perspectives, today’s youth can bridge gaps and contribute to a more humane society.

One example is to offer films about life challenges and then have the time to discuss the movie afterward. I suggest films like Schindler’s List and Harriet Tubman. Rather than a history of facts, the raw emotion of these films can guide individuals to look at their own lives and those of their ancestors in a new way.

Inspire purpose and passion to help next-generation leaders discover their true calling.

Many young leaders struggle to find their purpose in a world of endless possibilities.

As a mentor, explore strategies for guiding them toward their passions, helping them understand how their unique skills and interests can contribute to a better world.

Here is an example from my consulting practice. Sarah, a high-potential leader at work, faced adversity in her personal life. Her divorced parents fought endlessly, and the mother recently remarried a younger man, only a few years older than Sarah. Her depression became obvious at work until she found solace and guidance through the mentorship program we developed at her company.

Therefore, she could listen and learn from her mentor, who shared her triumph over challenges, instilling in Sarah the idea that every obstacle could be an opportunity for growth.

Let me be clear: a mentoring program is NOT therapy. It is a way for two individuals to listen, connect, and encourage each other.

What Sarah learned, in the words of Frankl, “Everything can be taken from a man (or woman) but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.

Encourage active citizenship

Another route to success is through community service and civic activities. This empowers you leaders to become active citizens.

The positive impact of such involvement is showcasing inspiring stories and providing practical tips for initiating and participating in community initiatives.

That leads me to Daniel, who was confused about what he wanted to do with his life.

For instance, at work, he was encouraged to embark on an innovative program — a three-week-long “Radical Sabbatical.” For him, that developed into a solo backpacking trip. His BIG dream is to travel and see other parts of the world.

While navigating different cultures and meeting diverse people, he found that searching for meaning was a universal quest.

It was a win for Daniel and his organization. The experience helped him connect with his passion for environmental sustainability, prompting him to advocate for long-term, effective change.

He came up with a plan to work on supply chain issues. That came about when, on his trip, he visited the Taiwan headquarters and was able to discuss new packaging methods he had learned in college. This helped to change the packaging and, as he likes to say, make many trees happy!

As Frankel stated, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by meaning and purpose.”

Teach conflict resolution skills to help create a more harmonious society

We must teach practical communication resolution strategy skills, especially in a world often marked by discord.

I believe this should start in elementary school as well as at home.

However, it is often ignored and replaced with more reading and writing programs. Thus, the business environment can also be a place to .master conflict skills.

We developed several programs that many local and global organizations have used. They are each two-hours and can be done on Zoom. One is “From Mad to Glad,” and another called “From Conflict to Collaboration.” Both are introductions to becoming conflict-resilient. The program’s core is how we learned to handle conflict as little kids for safety and survival. Once we can see the roots of our behavior, we can make proper changes.

This may sound like fantasy and sugar-coated nonsense. Learning skills to handle conflict adds to a positive bottom line at work.

We are all connected, and no one wins unless we all do

Please watch our mascot at Creative Energy Options (CEOinc). This little wombat says it all in a few words.

In conclusion, in a world where negativity often overshadows the positive, we must empower emerging leaders with a sense of meaning. Guiding them toward healthy cooperative behavior is an investment for a brighter future.

To your success,

Sylvia Lafair

PS. Let’s keep the lights from holiday celebrations shining brightly throughout the year.