One of the many reasons that I enjoy volunteering my time and expertise to Sigma Pi Fraternity is because it allows me an opportunity – small though it may be – to help train tomorrow’s workforce. As discussed in an earlier post, there are a growing number of young employees who are shocked at the demands of the working world. While it’s easy to just call these morons a bunch of idiots and move on, it is sometimes beneficial to find out why these people are the way they are and what their characteristics create in the office setting.
For my part, I see inexperienced employees being thrust into various “leadership” positions at their jobs for the wrong reasons. I see people with family connections or school connections that are given titles and authority when they have no experience with such roles. On the flip side, I see some of my fraternity graduates not having their collegiate leadership experience taken serious because it is based off of being a member in a fraternity. What horrible, bad decisions employers are making!
I’ve seen young adults thrown into leadership positions and watched as they lashed out when times have gotten tough. Sometimes these people put up a very mature front and act like they are twice their age, but to the trained eye they are laughing stocks. I’m sorry but you don’t spend as much time as I do training young adults in leadership skills and then NOT notice the severe lack of leadership skills in those who you communicate with on a daily basis! From people that I work with as colleagues to those who my company does joint ventures with, a lack of definitive leadership is all over the place.
Once upon a time I worked for a job where people would sleep their way into leadership positions and then completely crumble when times get tough. Frankly, it was hilarious.
So this is a message to all of my young fraternity leaders out there – don’t worry if you’re in a job where inexperienced people are being promoted over you. Just watch as they fail because they’ve never felt what it’s like to have to perform under pressure. And for my readers who are not fraternity or sorority people, but who have leadership experience and are STILL being passed by – I give you the same message. With a tightening economy and less money to go around, performance will become a major aspect of all jobs (as it should be already).
Though I do offer this advice: keep an eye on everyone around you at your office. If you’re ready to take a job or if you think someone above you is ready to crumble, then I hate to put it so bluntly but you have to be opportunistic and be ready to pounce. If you have the leadership training, then brush it off and get ready to shine when the time is right!
One of my more devious posts, I know. But hey – the current economic situation calls for it.
