Are We Heard and Seen? Youth at the Forefront of Leadership

by Imran Bacchus

Young people are often told this isn’t for you or you shouldn’t do that. Despite these voices, some continue to press through the noises and challenges that they face. The harsh reality is some societies and environments are so bureaucratic that they stifle young and vibrant professionals and dreamers. There are many youthful leaders around us, but the systems under which they find themselves see them as nothing other than ‘young’. Our workplaces and organisations are filled with qualified, competent and brilliant young individuals, but they often find themselves at a crossroads with the corporate ladder.

The majority of young people face challenges from seniors who put them down rather than helping to bolster their knowledge and dexterity for further growth and development. Agencies and governments, although making great speeches for the advancement of youth skills and voices, fail to implement their own mandate and keep their word. Across our borders and regions, youths are advocating for more recognition and appreciation. Their participation and roles are crucial not only to national development but for the safety and security, wealth and prosperity of our communities and economies. Youths are raising their voices for equal and fair opportunity and treatment in employment, education, health, and civic and political matters.

It is disheartening to see that although the world has made strides in several areas such as innovation, technology and the drafting of policies and conventions, there remains a large percentage of the youth population who are under recognized. Some youths are afraid to speak about the unjust treatment they face in the workplace and spaces they occupy because they fear hostile and resentful responses. Notwithstanding the red tape, bottlenecks and setbacks that young professionals encounter, many have taken a stance to persist and oppose the forces that seek to suppress their abilities and potential.

Budding leaders are not enemies of entities policies and initiatives, instead they should be their most valuable partner and closest ally. They bring wit and unconventional acumen to the vision board. Nevertheless, they are usually taken for granted. Young entrepreneurs are tossed in a corner; qualified and adept personnel are overlooked for promotions; an advocate who is proficient and ambitious is criticized and discouraged for using his/her voice. They are left on the sidelines. In today’s world, young people are the resource we need in our businesses and organizations if we are looking to transform our sectors and industries.

There are many admirable young leaders in our communities and nations whose gifts and talents are stymied and go to waste because of a lack of appreciation. Our institutions and systems ought to reform their frameworks and structures to cater to a new generation of front runners and trailblazers who are highly progressive and purpose driven. Our officials, legislators and senior personnel ought to get with the programme and stop undermining young and prospective leaders. Recently, in Guyana, the President strongly affirmed that leadership is about helping others to grow and develop, and underscored that leaders who are insecure about the skillfulness of their team “are not  leaders but an occupier of space.” He stressed about some leaders suppressing talent because they are afraid of being surpassed and that such a frame of mind will not be accepted. Globally, young people continue to take up opportunities at international forums, the United Nations, and other recognised and reputable high-profile engagements where they have an input and can demonstrate their abilities.

Finally, young people are encouraged to ask the right questions, stand up when there is a need and to not be afraid to speak up. Administrators, mentors and policy makers should ensure that their confidence and strengths are upheld and supported, not diminished. They can and should do more to amplify the skillsets of upcoming leaders. They should continue taking those bold steps towards their vision and goals.