Guideposts for Millennial Leadership: Beware the Thought Leaders

The irony of me–the author–warning you about thought leaders is not lost on me. But part of the reason I felt called to write down the guideposts in this series is because there are folks everywhere–in our organizations and on the internet–more interested in making a buck “influencing” than they are in your success. When I’ve been burned by thought leaders, it’s been because I’ve had a maniacal focus on just one leader’s teachings without having done my research on their merits. I hadn’t asked: “What do others say about them?” or “What is their organization’s culture like?” That’s why it’s important to interrogate the thought leaders.

I was reminded of this principle again recently while listening to an episode of Simon Sinek’s podcast, A Bit of Optimism. The episode featured Simon, Adam Grant, and Brené Brown in conversation about a variety of topics. Actually, a more apt description is Simon, Adam, and Brené in active debate about a variety of topics. Adam and Brené identify themselves as researchers; Simon identifies as an optimist who has been described as a visionary. All are best-selling authors who are followed by millions of people across the globe. But in this conversation they pushed each other, attempted to convince one another to accept a different position, and therefore invited me (the listener) to draw my own conclusions. No one deferred to anyone else or viewed themselves to be of superior pedigree. In fact, their conversation was effective because no one involved–including the listener–was an absolutist. They made room for nuance, additional insights, and the chance that they might just be flat out wrong. 

I like listening to these three thought leaders talk to each other and to others because they make space for thoughts to change and evolve. They are not simply social media influencers or podcasting pundits who shout their ideas from the mountaintop and refuse to engage with criticism. Rather, they invite thoughtful criticism, acknowledge when they get it wrong, and then they make it right.

There is no shortage of promoters or detractors sharing their opinions, experiences, and insider knowledge on the internet. Heck, I’m one of them. And I think one of the things we millennials struggle with is that we have been trained over decades to defer to an “expert.” Our generation has been uniquely shaped to follow directions, be the hardest workers in the room, and judge our worth based on productivity and the praise we receive from our authority figures. The thing is, now that we’re becoming the authority figures, we can begin to re-shape our relationships with authority. We can listen to and become the thought leaders who invite new ideas, wrestle with conflict, and create more inclusive and innovative environments.

So, consider all of the voices in the room and mix it up every now and then. Instead of becoming a dedicated disciple of one or a few, read and listen broadly. Leave the preaching absolutists behind. Add your own spice to the mix. No one has all the answers, and only you know what fits you and your leadership style.

Podcast Recommendations: Two Bits of Optimism with Brené Brown and Adam Grant Part 1 and Part 2