Wisdom From the Connected Generation

To move forward we must let those who will follow - lead.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal recognized thirty professionals under the age of thirty in a special supplement to their weekly paper dated November 10, 2006.  The paper wrote a short bio on each person and asked a series of similar questions.  I became intrigued by the following question and am paraphrasing the answers here: 

An Inside Tip For Success at 30:

• Be ready and willing to accept change
• Find something you're passionate about
• Instead of being a member of many, be a leader of few
• No one hands you anything in life, you have to go get in yourself
• Stay focused on your goals and hold yourself accountable
• Learn as much as you can about your industry or business
• Get involved.  Make connections
• Believe in yourself
• Stay educated
• Start young and persevere.  There are not shortcuts
• Find a job you love and work hard
• Don't lead to gain power or prestige
• Never stop believing in yourself
• Read the paper everyday, watch the news, listen to NPR - talk to your friends about it
• Be active in the community
• Share what you've learned
• Take pride in your work
• Don't be afraid to think big - don't be afraid to act on it
• Follow your heart and passion.  If you love what you do, it becomes part of you
• Don't be afraid to try something outrageous or different
• Be willing to sacrifice a part of your youth by investing in others instead of yourself
• Passion and love for the job
• Work hard, be confident and set your goals high
• Decide if the sacrifice necessary is worth having what you want
• Don't sleep. You might miss something
• Take risks and follow your interests
• Always be professional.  Congratulate others for their success.  Never stop smiling
• Network and build relationships
• Remember your core values and ethics
• Stay humble.  Never think you've got it made, someone will take your place
• Don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve
• Be yourself.  Be honest.  Be kind and learn from experts
• Never set aside your dreams due to everyday challenges and distractions

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, some of you out there might be thinking, I've known this kind of stuff all along."  You know what though?  This isn't about us.  It's about the connected generation, the ones who will one day be running business and the government.  Isn't it refreshing to see what they are already thinking about - in their twenties?  Heck, I think Jim Morrison best sums up what I was thinking about at that age, "show me the way to the next whiskey bar..." 

I have a challenge for those of you who are Baby Boomers or older:  The next time that you professionally interact with a member of the connected generation, provide some wind beneath their wings.  Even if it's just turning them on to a Web site, do something to help them along.

Comments

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Excellent list Dave. I think these are great tips for success at ANY age. Thanks for sharing.

[dave]

I hear you Phil. But for me it's so important to recognize that they are emanating from the Connected Gen...it means that they are already on the "tuned in" path.

I have so much passion and respect for the younger folks who are out there trying to make a difference.

[Chris Brown]

Yes, we all "know" these things, but how often do we "hear" this tape in our heads? Being reminded with a list like this is helpful... down right necessary. Focusing on the positive keeps us enthusiastic and fresh. Thanks for the post.
Chris

[dave rothacker]

Thank you Chris. Personally, I can't be reminded enough :-)