Throughout these columns, I've grappled with the inherent chaos of our world. The era we inhabit mirrors those of our predecessors, whether they are Gen-X or Baby Boomers, but they are entrenched in their perspectives. In reality, I suspect they feel endangered. Currently, younger generations are challenging the authority, wealth, and influence they've amassed over their lifetimes. Many handle this transition gracefully, whether it happens openly or discreetly, the crucial aspect is its occurrence. Recently, US President Joe Biden passed the mantle to Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a significant shift for a position once inaccessible to women and people of color. Though this transition wasn't public, it has taken place. Dan Pfeiffer, former White House communications director under Obama and a longtime Biden supporter, remarked, "People have been demanding an alternative, and now they have it."
We are at a juncture where the age of leadership is increasingly scrutinized. Older leaders are clinging less, and the youth are demonstrating their capability not only to lead but to sustain. These young leaders are in their 40s and 50s, not their 20s and 30s, but it signals a changing era, offering a positive outlook. As Gen-Z and Millennials, we are poised to build networks and alliances behind the scenes in global culture and politics. This extends beyond politics to industries where social connections are as vital as professional agreements. Stripping away corporate lingo, teamwork is essential; without it, work becomes more challenging. People are less inclined to share advice or answer queries, and poor communication skills, including social media and email proficiency, are no longer acceptable.
Gen-Z excels in communication, which should be the standard. Our communication is straightforward, concise, and truthful. Unlike our elders, we don't need to skirt around issues or manipulate our way in. We value direct communication, judge people at face value, resist prejudice, and maintain a balanced perspective amidst chaos. As of 2024, the professional landscape is dominated by Gen-Xers and younger, with a few Baby Boomers in legacy institutions, but primarily, it's characterized by honesty and clarity.
This shift means we'll achieve more with the time we have. Medical advancements and, despite climate change, I anticipate living at least another 80 years. Issues today are clearer: rampant wealth inequality, climate change, and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on global labor forces, all surpass the simplistic dichotomies of previous generations. My hope is that we outperform our predecessors. While we might enjoy some ease (perhaps a four-day workweek), there's no reason we can't pursue a utopian vision. The world is already in turmoil.
