
While a baton is synonymous with continuity, superiority, and responsibility in various zones, it is critical that the transfer of this symbolic rod occurs seamlessly, not too early or too late. “A fluid exchange can make the difference between a successful race and disappointment,” noted sports reporter Sam Borden. “Poor passing can cost a team half a second or more—an eternity in a sport where finishes are often decided by hundredths of a second,” added Borden.
In a world where many young people are eager to serve, chase dreams, and build legacies, we cannot wait until they are no longer passionate or grey and old to occupy influential positions. Progressive organisations should seriously consider hiring more talented youth and including them in decision-making. Despite popular belief that the older generation knows best and is presumed to be the most effective employees, youth inclusion can correlate with social and financial benefits for all.
“So, what can young people bring to the table? Enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and global thinking are few examples. However, to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda capitalises on youth inclusion, it is essential that we equip our young people to lead well. Failure to do so may result in what author Brad Lomenick described as “a disappointing pattern among young leaders. They liftoff with a rocket start but quickly fizzle out.”
How do we equip our youth for leadership? Well, first we must realise that the baton is not ours to keep, as author Tom Mullins emphasised: “A transition will always cost you something. Whether through abandoning your comfort zone for the sake of the organization, experiencing the grief over what feels like a loss … you will always pay an emotional price.”
We must understand that our positions are not eternal and internalise the golden rule of leadership: leading others is a privilege that is earned, not a right. “True leaders put ego aside and strive to create successors who go beyond them,” according to leadership expert John C. Maxwell. He stressed that we should plan to hand off the baton when we are still running at our peak. “If a leader has already begun to slow down, the baton is being handed off too late…plan your succession and leave before you feel you have to,” advised Maxwell.
It is also important that young people are not forcibly catapulted into positions.
“While being a leader gives many youth the opportunity to prove what they bring to the table, it can also expose their limitations. Therefore, they should understand the power of the baton and appreciate the value of being a good leader, which equates to being a good person,” according to educator Carletta Patrick.
Her leadership checklist includes renowned attributes such as integrity, humility, confidence, authenticity, as well as a willingness to challenge assumptions around them. She underscored the need for young people to focus on self-development and ready themselves for baton opportunities even in toxic environments.
As Author Jon Gordon highlighted, “learning to stay positive when surrounded by negativity is a great training ground and, as you develop your own positivity and ability to deal with energy vampires, you will grow as a person and leader.
“Being a good leader also requires youth to be confident in their thoughts (having a voice) and demonstrating leadership qualities that will allow them to thrive in any environment they’re placed,” said Patrick.The educator asserted that “internal barriers such as fear, lack of confidence, insecurity, and intolerance prevent young people from attaining positions of leadership in the home, church, school, or workplace.”
And Caricom Youth Ambassador Esquire Henry fully agrees. “The fear of failing hinders many persons from stepping out of their comfort zone. Before we pass the baton, we must build youth confidence, especially in this digital age of social media abuse. We must listen to young people, give them a seat around the table, and praise them when they do well too,” said Henry. He believes that youth must not only be willing to accept the baton, but also appreciate good feedback and diversity.
“If young people are going to hold on to that baton and lead successfully,” the youth ambassador asserted, “we must get rid of xenophobic attitudes and realise that everyone can build this nation, including our brothers and sisters from around the region and further afield. The belief that we can flourish on our own is outdated in this global village.”
Diversity intelligence mitigates stereotyping, ethnocentrism and other forms of inequalities. Equally crucial is the need for more meaningful training and development programmes that enhance critical thinking skills, and self-efficacy, and position youth for upward social mobility.
Nothing is more dangerous than leaving young people unprepared for powerful positions and expecting them to wing it; so, too, is failing to provide opportunities for personal and professional development. This lack of strategic planning may result not only in fumbles, but also in a drop that can disqualify the team of baton runners and lead to organisational stagnation.