Canadian Government Executive - Volume 27 - Issue 02

MILLENNIAL OUTLOOK 18 / Canadian Government Executive // March/April 2021 A sometimes pessimistic Millen- nial offered a satirical retro- spective on 2020. Growing up, she listened curiously to older generations tell of their times and truth. Grandparents talked proudly about making a new life for family in the af- termath of the Great Depression and World War II. Parents were euphoric about The Beatles, Woodstock, Moon Landing, and Star Wars. Gen-Xers exulted over Michael Jackson, fall of the Berlin Wall, rise of the Internet, and The Lord of the Rings. What do Millennials have to worry about beyond social media, climate change, rac- ism, and Trump returning? They have COVID-19 and the accelerated prospect of facing their elders’ mortality. Moreover, pandemic lock-down gives them time to worry more about everything else. Time is precious when it is directed by hope-filled leaders toward hopeful causes. Millennials hope for the coming of a “new normal” in 2021. Leadership matters What kind of leadership matters? In desper- ate or dangerous times, what do we need more—charismatic or servant leaders? In the classroom, we differentiate value in learning from the “sage on the stage” versus the “guide on the side”. The following story offers an alternative view of leadership. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson sat at his desk on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center, North Tower. He was not alone. Under his desk lay napping his faithful companion Roselle, a two-year-old yellow Labrador guide dog. Mike is blind. Upon the plane’s impact, the building shuddered, and Roselle was roused from her sleep. She ventured from beneath the desk and waited for the command to spring into action. Unsure which way to escape from the encroaching chaos, Mike took firm grip of the harness and simply said, “Forward!”. That was all the encouragement that Roselle needed to take control of the situation. With smoke, noise, and congestion filling the hallways, Roselle purposefully steered Mike to the centre stairwell. Roselle was calm as ever, not sensing danger in the flames, smoke, or anything else around them. Mike chose to trust Roselle’s judgment because they were a team. He clutched Roselle’s har- ness and, with focus and confidence, they headed down the 1,463 steps to fresh air and freedom. One can hardly imagine anything more frightening than being blind and trapped in the inferno of the World Trade Center that day. When faced with crisis, we look to a guide who is better equipped to sense the risk and forge a prudent way forward. Lead- ers who offer guidance: • Search for the truth relentlessly; • Move forward with boldness and courage; • Arrive at their destination committed to serve; • Give gratefully of their time, talent, and re- sources; • Honour the cause by example; • Listen attentively by keeping still and qui- et; and • Return home to share the good news of the story. Leaders who guide focus heart and mind together. They avoid distraction, diversion, and division in the name of the common HOPEFUL PUBLIC SERVICE BY JOHN WILKINS