Yes, Young People Are Crazy and We Need to Listen

As a leadership consultant with over 14 years of active duty Air Force experience, I've seen my fair share of youthful exuberance, idealism, and yes, craziness.

But here's the thing: amidst all the chaos and unpredictability, there's something remarkable happening among today's young adults that demands our attention and respect.

Let's be honest, shall we? The older generations often look at today's youth with a mixture of bemusement and concern.

They see them glued to their screens, immersed in social media, and advocating for causes that may seem foreign or even threatening to traditional values.

It's easy to dismiss them as naive or misguided, but that would be a grave mistake.

The truth is, young people today are more connected, more innovative, and more capable of leading themselves and others than ever before. And it's about time we started paying attention.

The Power of Connection

One of the most striking characteristics of today's youth is their unparalleled ability to connect with each other across distances and differences.

Thanks to technology and social media, they can communicate, collaborate, and mobilize at speeds that previous generations could only dream of. This interconnectedness has sparked social movements, fueled activism, and facilitated the exchange of ideas on a global scale.

And to be honest, older folks, don’t want to admit it but they did the same thing.

They just didn’t have mobile phones.

Studies have shown that young people today are more likely to engage in civic and community activities, volunteerism, and social advocacy than previous generations. They are passionate about making a difference in the world and are using their collective voice to drive positive change.

So if you really sit and think...is it truly that big a deal?

Innovation and Problem-Solving

In addition to their knack for connection, today's young adults are also incredibly innovative and adept at problem-solving. Growing up in a digital age where information is readily accessible, they have honed their critical thinking and analytical skills to navigate complex challenges with ease.

I remember when Common Core math was all over the headlines.

Parents were losing it.

Now as a parent myself, I understand the need to educate children in a way that promotes critical thinking, not just regurgitating information.

Research has demonstrated that young people today are more entrepreneurial and risk-taking than previous generations. They are not afraid to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. This entrepreneurial spirit has led to the rise of startups, tech innovations, and creative solutions to age-old problems.

So what’s the big deal if they do math a little differently? The equations are no longer the same as before.

Self-Leadership and Empowerment

Perhaps most impressive of all is the level of self-leadership and empowerment exhibited by today's young adults.

Unlike previous generations, who may have relied on hierarchical structures and authority figures for guidance, young people today are taking ownership of their lives and careers from an early age.

Studies have found that millennials and Gen Z are more likely to seek out opportunities for self-improvement, personal development, and career advancement. They value autonomy, flexibility, and purpose in their work and are willing to chart their own path to success.

Much like that whole movement in the 60s and seventies, no? Mhmm.

The Counter Argument: Entitlement and Narcissism

Of course, no discussion about today's youth would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room: the perception of entitlement and narcissism.

Critics argue that young people are self-absorbed, entitled, and lacking in resilience due to their upbringing in an era of instant gratification and social media validation.

While there may be some truth to these criticisms, it's important to recognize that they only tell part of the story. Yes, young people today may have grown up in a culture of instant fame and constant validation, but they have also demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and empathy in the face of adversity.

So what do we do about all of this?

Is there anything we CAN do? or SHOULD do?

The Bottom Line

Back in the day, we all wanted connection. And found it in different ways.

Instead of criticizing the young, remember we were there once and the value of connection remains the same, it just looks slightly different.

Instead of criticizing how they do math, understanding the new world requires high-level critical thinking.

Instead of criticizing their lack of staying in the same job for 30 years, highlight their drive for constant change and development.

Instead of looking at them as entitled, remember that previous generations fought for them to have more opportunity, they’re just making the best out of it.

They may not have all the answers, but they certainly have the passion, creativity, and determination to make a difference in the world.

And if we're wise enough to listen and learn from them, we just might find that the future is brighter than we ever imagined and we can help them integrate the values that made us successful into the ways they do things.

So if you lead young people, look for the overlap, not the differences.

And even if you think they're crazy, you still need to listen.