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The world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Every day, leaders are making countless decisions and facing problems they have never encountered before. What worked yesterday can change overnight. The speed is relentless, the stakes are high, but the rewards are great for those who can consistently achieve win-win results through authentic leadership.

So how can leaders stay ahead of the curve when so much is changing so quickly? By focusing on this simple 4-part framework:

  1. Inspire Trust – Trust starts with a leader’s own character and competence – the credibility that allows leaders to intentionally build a culture of trust.
  1. Create Vision – Effective leaders create a shared vision and strategy, and communicate it so powerfully that others join them on the journey.
  1. Execute Strategy – Leaders must not only think big, but also execute their vision and strategy all the way through to completion, with and through others.
  1. Coach Potential – Effective leaders develop the leadership potential in others and improve performance through consistent feedback and coaching.

I believe the youth are a key component to truly achieving the outcomes of this framework. Unfortunately, the common narrative you will hear from many is that young people are lazy, unmotivated, or entitled. I disagree.

Here’s why I believe youth leadership is not only an option but an absolute necessity for Guyana’s future national development:

  • It is no secret that the world is changing quite rapidly, and these changes require dynamic leadership styles with an understanding of technology. For the first time in history, there are no boundaries to where youth go, who they are friends with, or what they do with their lives. The speed and breadth of the internet allows for instant access to knowledge. It also fosters an attitude of being globally-concerned. For Guyana to succeed, our leaders must be connected to the world.
  • To tackle the complex issues facing the world today, we need leaders who have both competence and motivation. Young people bring a different level of passion to their problem-solving. Their reliance on creative synergy, coupled with their high levels of energy and enthusiasm, is an approach that should be adopted by all.
  • The belief that “we is bigger than me” is an evident driving force, often the underpinning of youth movements around the world. The youth want to change the world and believe they can do it. To see the bigger picture and be driven by that vision is a key component for success.

Youth leadership is unquestionably imperative for the effective development of our country. If, as a country, we can create the space for our youth leaders to inspire trust, create vision, execute strategy, and coach potential, we will see them for who they really are – not the leaders of tomorrow, but the capable and competent leaders of today.