When I started my career as a brewer, there was a recurring song among older brewers – “The younger brewers do not have the required capacity or capability to move this organization forward.” “They do not have the required backbone of steel.” “They are too soft.” “They are too entitled.” “They want to challenge everything.” “They think book knowledge can match Shopfloor knowledge.” “They respect nothing.” “Their trainer is not even smart enough.” “Professional certifications do not equate to Shopfloor leadership.” “I wonder how they will be able to fill the leadership pipeline.” “I am worried for this business.”
I recently met a friend who started the career journey with me 13 years ago, and he was complaining about younger brewers, surprisingly using the same words that were used to describe us when we started. I initially found myself nodding to his comments, then something flipped within me. These young brewers were me many years ago, and I came through. What has so significantly changed that will make it impossible for these young brewers to move the needle? Nothing. I had to stop him and help him see a different side of the story. First of all, the productivity of these younger brewers is at least 100% above what it was when we started. They are actually delivering more output with less input.
“Nothing so dates a man as to decry the younger generation.” – Adlai E. Stevenson
We always undermine younger generations, but society has only moved forward because of them. When it matters most, they pour their blood into the foundation of being and use their energy to build a more agile present.
No institution has long remained without a conscious renewal by youth.
– Osasu Oviawe