How can we support our young people in achieving success and happiness?
Lockdown has been hard hitting for many of us, young and old and I feel, especially, for those young people who have missed out on a key transition or life landmark. Be it not being able to finish Year 6, those studying for GCSE’s or A Levels, those missing out on graduation. Of course they are going to feel hard done by.
I have little knowledge of what the new normal is going to look like, I don’t think anyone does but what I do know is that the conversation, amongst leaders, is beginning to turn from policy to people, from vitae to values, from autocratic leadership to a more fluid and flexible approach which empowers the people to do their job well. This is really exciting because it’s been waiting to happen for too long.
Some organisations are already developing a people-based culture where they can make decisions and move in directions to allow for business development, growth, new ideas or new efficiencies. Technology and AI are playing a huge part in these developments and abilities to do things faster and create greater purpose and change. No more than now, has technology made people realise how possible it is for people to work from home and that people, when left to their own devices actually do get on with their work.
So how does this change effect those entering the workplace now or deciding on their careers of the future?
You may have heard me quote these figures before but here I go again ‘80% of young people, in 2030, will be doing jobs that haven’t even been invented yet’.
This still hasn’t changed and the opportunities will still be out there. We need to make sure our young people are ready to take advantage of these opportunities when they do arrive.
The world is changing so we need to ensure that our young people, whatever qualifications or grades they may or may not have, know what they bring to a team or organisation. What is their Native Genius. What do you do effortlessly? What energy do you bring? What value can you add? It may even bring about a better understanding of why you work in the way you do. Do you leave everything to the last minute, or do you have a more diligent, processed driven approach? This basic awareness means you can do something about it.
For me, the best place to start is knowing your behaviour preferences. Are you extroverted ie you get your energy from others? Or are you Introverted ie you get your energy from an inward focus. Do you make your decisions with logic and data or by emotion and people? Knowing these basics will help you understand self, so you understand others which therefore means you have the tools to be able to adapt your behaviour to improve relationships. Such a key skills when working with others – school or business.
These behaviours have also become a huge part of lockdown for many. Those who have a high extroverted preference are most likely finding lock down hard. They get their energy from others, so not being able to go out and meet their friends and connect, is really difficult. I’ve seen many friends and families struggle here. Those with more of an introverted preference are probably enjoying lockdown as it means they don’t have to go out and network and connect. They are energised by their own company.
Seeing it come alive in lockdown has been fascinating and when we apply it our own families or colleagues, we can begin to understand how they must be feeling or coping in these uncertain times. This allows to adapt our behaviour to support them and guide them through rather than losing our temper and getting frustrated.
How can you find out more?
We use the psychometric profiling tool called C-Me and it focuses on your behaviour preferences and how that can impact others. We’ve been using it in schools and businesses, bringing a greater layer of awareness to those involved. After a session, it’s amazing how many people come up to me afterwards and say:-
“I think you’ve just saved my marriage” or
“I now understand why my husband and daughter are always at logger heads” or
“This has helped me become clearer of the career path that would work best of me”
So going back to our earlier question ‘how can we support our young people in achieving success and happiness?’ Well, let’s help them find out
As parents, teachers or colleagues, get to know your own behaviour preferences and the impact you make on others. This will help you understand others and how you can better your relationships with them. Supported, listened to, empowered young people is what we’re trying to develop. Success is then just round the corner.
by
EngageBay
