How to Lead the Next Generation

March 3, 2021

Written by Malik Joseph

My parents taught me from a young age that everyone has a place in this world. No matter where you originate from or what you do for a living, you have the right to live and prosper just like anyone else. Life isn’t like Mario Kart where everyone starts on the same racetrack. Some tracks might be a one lap breeze, while others have you driving on a winding rainbow-colored road in the middle of space. Therefore, it’s crucial that we instill the next generation with tips to navigate life with confidence and more direction.

If we all do our part, we can assure that the next generation will develop the skills to 1) not only continue the productive groundwork we have laid down, but also 2) build on top of what we have for the better. To help with this, I want to relay some of the advice I’ve picked up along the way.

One of my most fond memories of high school was running the 4x400m relay. I was often coaching (and learning from) the younger runners.

1) Consider the Age Gap

Whether you’re coaching your younger sibling on dribbling a basketball, or mentoring a student on Newton’s Laws, or even helping a teammate learn a baton exchange in a relay, you must remember that they are younger than you and are most likely hearing about this subject/activity for the first time.

2) Develop Patience

Everyone moves at different paces, but remember slow progress is still progress. You might often become frustrated with your apprentice but learning to be patient will serve you well. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

3) Respect Goes Both Ways

Nobody will test you like a young teen who has nothing to lose. They are fearless. You must give respect to receive it. Ask yourself what you’re getting out of this mentoring experience and what they are. Reassure yourself that you’re in the position to give advice.

In high school I served as a M.A.C. (Minority Achievement Committee) Scholar. Here I am posing with some Juniors in the program during my Senior Ceremony.

4) Be Real

People can usually sense when they are being lied to/deceived to. Don’t sugar coat. Being polite while being honest sets a great example.

5) Celebrate the Small Victories

By remaining encouraging and giving props to small accomplishments you will boost their morale, helping to open them up. They will remember the small stuff even if you don’t, so celebrate it.

As long as we can consider the age gap, maintain patience, demand respect (both ways), commit to honesty and celebrate the small victories, we will greatly help those looking up to us.

2 comments

  1. Hey Malik! First, I love the Mario Kart metaphor. I think you gave great advice for being a mentor. Last quarter, I was a Chicago Quarter Mentor for a group of DePaul freshman. It was my first time being in a leadership position. I think much of the time I was too worried about myself instead of thinking about the students. It would have been nice to read your tips before I started the job. My favorite tip is “consider the age gap.” Even if though I was mentoring people three years younger, it makes a world of a difference acknowledging this is their first quarter at college. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. I loved reading this! This is a really inspiring post for people that are going through it right now. I have to think about number 5 often especially during this time where things are messed up

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