MILLENNIAL LEADER:

Unmotivated and difficult to manage?

 

CHALLENGE

A team transformation process with people from various backgrounds and ages. One person, in particular, was a millennial in a leadership position. He was perceived as difficult to manage by his boss, causing friction and frustration.

Was asked to fix it. In the process discovered an inspiring story and a great example of an unrecognised strength, poorly channelled could lead to misunderstandings and overlooked talents. Here’s the story of Mr X.

INSIGHT

Mr X has a condition that as a young boy, stopped him from attending school. Left to study on his own and at his own pace, Mr X passed all his exams ahead of his peers.

When he faced a challenge, got stuck or his will began to waiver, it was gentle words of encouragement from his mother that strengthened his resolve. He didn’t have to be cajoled into studying. He never had to be badgered by anyone or be told what he needed to do. He had the drive, determination and discipline to go it on his own.

However, not wanting to be perceived as weak and somewhat ashamed of his condition, he never shared this with anyone, let alone his bosses or colleagues at work.

SOLUTION & OUTCOME

Made him feel safe enough to open up to share the story. Enabled help him to reflect and realise how his condition had shaped him – his outlook, decisions and actions such as:

  • He has an innate hunger to learn and is committed to improving himself
  • His ability to overcome his illness was driving his inability to tolerate excuses from others
  • Not having had teachers or adults tell him what to do was making him impervious to instructions from ‘bosses.’

He became aware of how something he was embarrassed about, could be his greatest strength – if channelled in the right way. With a refreshed view and understanding of himself, he felt confident to share more about himself and worked on stopping the cycle of frustration with himself and others.

Today he is the founder of a startup.

His story has inspired many companies and individuals to be more aware of ‘inner stories’, and find hidden strengths.

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