Amanda Litman is the founder of Run For Something, and the author of a book of the same name. She’s helped thousands of young people – like Danica Roem and Jasmine Crockett – run for local offices, starting careers in public service. Her new book, published by Crooked Media, is When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership, and it's a banger. No, boomer, it’s not in the Horror section.
Litman, a wife and mother of two, writes for similarly situated young professionals – millennials and Gen Z – entering leadership roles in politics, business, or nonprofits. Leadership, like the rest of the culture, has changed in pivotal ways, as you will see from Litman’s style and substance. But the principles underlying the changes are (sorry David Byrne) Same As They Ever Were.
What is the appropriate relationship between a manager and employees? What dress code is needed? How do you balance employees’ expectations with the company’s focus on its mission and survival? How does the company operate relative to government policies? How many F bombs are appropriate (more than before!), and when? How do you deal with criticism? How can you be authentic without undermining your authority?
But also, how do you manage your and your company’s Internet presence? How do you manage communication when any casual text could end up on the front page of the paper – as Secretary of Defense Hegseth learned recently? How do you handle remote work? Parental/family leave? How do you lead if you don’t fit the stereotype people are expecting: an older white male? Is a 4 day work week an option?
Litman reminds us to be aware of what employees bring to work. Millennials are the first Internet generation. Gen Z is the school shooting generation. When they talk about a safe space, it’s more consequential and essential than a boomer may imagine.
We boomers have been in the drivers’ seats for a very long time, and are reluctant to hand over the wheel. Next Gen-ers are already in their mid-40s. (Chelsea Clinton is 45!) We are literally dying of old age at work. Since November of 2022, 8 members of Congress have died in office. All have been Democrats, so you won’t hear the GOP complaining.
Litman talks about leaders, and their challenge to balance their gifts with the needs of their company. She discusses the team, the company’s policies and culture, and how to find the best people. Next Gen leaders are fine with compassion at work. But they still know that boundaries must be firm. Yes, your need is valid, but it’s not the job of this company to meet it. In many places, the book seems more fundamental than a book on leadership: it’s a guide on adulting. Boundaries, self-care, finding your people, balancing competing values, etc.
If you are a boomer managing Next Gen employees, you should really schedule a day off and read this with quill in hand to take notes. (It’s also available as an audiobook if your eyes are going bad, old timer!)
Litman writes like a breeze: confident, focused, experienced, and (appropriately) vulnerable. Broad observations are supported by details and input from others. She introduces readers to a wide range of leaders who are already in place. If this is representative of the quality of the emerging generation of leadership, my fellow boomers can relax. They're more than ready. Time for us to join the ranks of the Service Corps of Retired Executives, and offer support – if asked.