5 Ways to Prepare Today's Kids To Lead Tomorrow's Workforce

How will we prepare our little ones for great leadership in tomorrow's workforce? The future requires creativity, technical savvy, and most importantly the ability to create connections between people and ideas. The future global economy requires these competencies for kids in developed and remote areas around the globe. As technology spreads, so must the learning.

In an interview with the Washington Post, renowned futurist, Ray Kurzweil, shares his predictions on the speed of global technology adoption.

"Everything was slow in the “old” days – the rate of change as well as the ability and tools people had to accommodate change. Both sides of the equation are much faster today. People can (and are) becoming “Internet savvy” very quickly. It doesn’t take long. The Web and mobile technology [are] invading the entire world including Africa at a very fast pace. Look how quickly Asia has adapted."

The future is speeding toward us. Help our kids prepare.

1. Build Character

The future requires great human beings. Integrity, compassion, work ethic, servant leadership... these characteristics become even more vital with powerful tools and global reach. Reputations can be destroyed overnight through social media. Words last.

2. Expanding Communities

The concept of community is rapidly changing. We must teach our kids to build responsible and valuable online relationships. Connect around areas of common interest. Proactively learn from global experts. Actively contribute as thought leaders to these discussions. The internet provides a powerful voice to the young and powerless. Build an online network to leverage for future leadership.

3. Sustainability

As the planet continues to suffer from abuses and misuses, the companies of the future will have greater responsibility and more pressure for sustainable practices. Teach kids now about caring for the planet and show them their ideas and actions matter.

4. Purposeful Learning

With so much information available from so many sources, we must teach kids to proactively mine for the data they need--making connections and drawing conclusions. Homework must evolve. No more fill in the blanks. Memorizing is moot. In the future, employees will not be "trained," rather taught how to think and use resources. Build these competencies now.

5. Focus

Future technology invites increased opportunities for multi-tasking. Multi-tasking invites distraction. Role model and teach kids how to prioritize, focus, pause, and build deep and connected relationships.

The future begins today. How will you prepare you children to lead well?

See Also: A Great Way to Teach Your Kids About Leadership

Karin Hurt is an experienced executive leading in a Fortune 15 company. Her extensive background in HR, Sales, Customer Service and Merger integration provide the foundation for her blog Let's Grow Leaders. She engages conversation to support leaders at all levels to maximize their potential and achieve breakthrough results.

Karin Hurt