During the UNGA week, I met up with Abigail, Amanda and Shazia, who are ladies working in the non-profit sector, empowering emerging public leaders.
Our conversation got me thinking about my own work as a(n emerging) public leader but also someone who has developed several programmes to empower others. I got to thinking, from personal experience, what works, and what does not work.
Supporting emerging public leaders is essential for the continued growth and success of communities and societies. Young leaders bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a commitment to public service. I wanted to share some ways to best support emerging public leaders:
- Mentorship and Coaching:
- Provide mentorship and coaching from experienced public leaders. Encourage emerging leaders to seek guidance from those who have navigated similar challenges.
- Training and Education:
- Offer training programs, workshops, and seminars on leadership, public policy, governance, and other relevant subjects. Scholarships or subsidies for advanced degrees can also be valuable.
- Networking Opportunities:
- Facilitate networking events, conferences, and gatherings where emerging leaders can connect with peers, mentors, and influential figures in the public sector.
- Access to Resources:
- Ensure access to resources such as research materials, data, and technology to help emerging leaders make informed decisions and develop effective policies.
- Encourage Community Engagement:
- Encourage emerging leaders to engage with their communities, understand local needs, and build trust. This can be done through community service, town hall meetings, and other outreach efforts.
- Experiential Learning:
- Provide opportunities for emerging leaders to gain practical experience in government or public service roles through internships, fellowships, or apprenticeships.
- Encourage Diversity and Inclusion:
- Create an inclusive environment that welcomes leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Diverse perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions.
- Recognition and Awards:
- Recognize and celebrate the achievements of emerging leaders through awards and honors. This can motivate them to continue their efforts and inspire others.
- Policy Advocacy:
- Encourage emerging leaders to advocate for policies and reforms that align with their values and the needs of their communities.
- Funding and Grants:
- Offer grants or funding opportunities to support projects and initiatives led by emerging public leaders. Financial support can help turn ideas into reality.
- Leadership Development Programs:
- Develop leadership development programs specifically tailored to the needs of emerging leaders. These programs can focus on building leadership skills, communication, and decision-making abilities.
- Feedback and Evaluation:
- Provide constructive feedback and regular evaluations to help emerging leaders identify areas for improvement and personal growth.
- Psychological Support:
- Recognize the emotional toll that public leadership can take and offer psychological support or counseling services to help emerging leaders manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
- Long-term Vision:
- Support emerging leaders in creating a long-term vision for their leadership journey. Help them set achievable goals and milestones.
- Collaboration and Partnerships:
- Encourage collaboration between emerging leaders, government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector organizations to address complex societal challenges.
- Transparency and Accountability:
- Promote transparency and accountability in public leadership. Emerging leaders should be held to high ethical standards and should be encouraged to foster transparency in their own work.
By providing these forms of support and opportunities, we can help emerging public leaders develop their skills, make a positive impact on their communities, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
I hope you consider some of these things, as you think of ways to empower and support emerging public leaders.
All my love,
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