Helping the next generation to deal with uncertainty
We can help the next generation, who have not yet entered the workplace, by being alert to the scale of change taking place. By educating ourselves. By talking to them. Because there’s no point sticking our heads in the sand. Yes, a technology revolution is underway. But there are two sides to that coin: with great change comes great opportunity.
Other than encouraging them to interact with technology — and to think about the creation side of it, not just consumption — I think the best we can do as parents, mentors and business leaders is to support qualities that will help them to deal with and work through uncertainty.
Embracing risk
As parents and business mentors, we have to build into the next generation a sense that it’s okay to take risks. This starts with taking physical risks in the playground, where they hopefully learn from their mistakes, and it moves on to social and cognitive risks in later years. We have to fight against their fear of failure and embarrassment — and stop ourselves from overprotecting them. It’s important for them to ask, “What’s the worst that could happen?”, because that process of identifying risks and thinking through consequences will be useful throughout their lives and careers.
The importance of resilience
As someone leading a team, I can’t tell you how important resilience is. We all make mistakes. We all make bad decisions. But if you have resilience, you don’t give up. You learn from your mistakes. And you do it better the next time. Those are the kinds of people that we need in an age of disruption, where established rules are overturned. We need creative thinkers who know how to dig deep and keep trying.
Instilling self-belief
Possibly the most fundamental of all is self-belief. I really believe self-belief is one of the most important qualities we need to foster in the next generation. There’s something incredibly powerful that happens when the people who you look up to tell you, “Of course you can do it.”
The future is coming, whether we’re ready or not. Automation is on the rise, and the digital revolution is sweeping through the labor market. Let’s make the most of it by encouraging the next generation to embrace change and risk.
Summary
Resilience, self-confidence and a willingness to take risks can help the next generation be prepared for whatever the future brings.