These kids today. Listless it seems. Everyone says so. Complaints are predictable and somewhat rampant.
I ran across a story recently of a young person. He graduated high school and set off for college at a fine institution, but did not stay after the first year. He then worked in his father's business for a year, but that did not last. He got some financing and started his own business for a year, but "it was not a success." He moved to Florida and worked. But, he fell ill and returned home. He got a job in retail, but "wasn't happy."
He returned to college, then to law school, and graduated. He apparently did not attract the attention of the big law firms. He opened an office in his Georgia hometown, but lamented "I wasn't making a living." He moved to a small Florida town, took the Florida Bar examination, and began practicing again. He stayed for ten years and got married, but did not take root. The big city beckoned, and shortly thereafter he moved his family hundreds of miles to Orlando. He was seventeen years out of high school, well-educated, and seemingly listless.
Kids, right? What are you going to do?
He took root in Orlando. After that long path, he found a place in the legal profession that fit him. He earned a living, raised a family, and contributed to his community.
His name was Giles Lewis. He was a Free Mason, a volunteer firefighter, a national guardsman, a World War I military veteran, was in the American Legion, was director and president of the YMCA, was President of the Orange County Bar, and a charter member of the Orlando Civitan Club. He was a contributor to his community.
He was an appointed General Master in Chancery of the Circuit Court for decades. Judge Giles Lews was appointed to hear workers' compensation cases for three years in the midst of that service (1945-1948). He was a member of The Florida Bar for over 50 years.
He passed in June 1969, at eighty.
These kids today, right?
He was born into what they call the "Lost" generation (and you thought being called a "Boomer" or an "X" is troubling). His story is inspirational and perhaps contradicts your perceptions of "the good old days" and the people that lived then. Perhaps the world and its people were not all that idyllic, or perfect, but we project our perceptions on them in retrospect and lack perspective on their challenges?
There are those who will graduate high school with a vengeance. They will get through college on the first try, with exemplary grades. They will attend the best law schools, enjoy the finest internships, and thrive in prestigious firms. They will have storybook opportunities and glorious existences (or the appearance of them anyway). And others not so much.
Some may instead be listless. They may have slow starts. They may experience detours and delays. Resumes may show gaps. There may be challenges in finding the right path, the good fit, the career home. That may be their fault or failure, but maybe not.
Perhaps it has less to do with the "today" and "these kids" than we might admit? Perhaps if we are honest with ourselves, there is a bit of imperfection in each of us and always has been? Perhaps we are too quick to fault the young, amplify their faults, and bemoan their pace and motivation? "These kids today . . ." Really?
They undoubtedly have their failings. We all do. Maybe the key to attracting young people to your business, retaining them for the future, and preparing them to assume command is more a function of you and your strengths than of theirs? Maybe the next new hire you are looking for is right under your nose, but is not getting the chance they need, didn't attend the right school, took a detour (or two), or failed at something? Imagine if no one had given Giles Lewis a chance?
We have the opportunity to build a bridge to the next generation. See Positioning Comp (April 2023). You can choose that path, or you can sit and complain. Which will solve your challenges?
