The old world order is being transformed, governments are failing and institutions are tottering. In this new environment, global leadership looks for young people capable of taking the lead , of leading, in a context full of changes, which are increasingly rapid and profound. Young people, who will represent 41% of the global force in 2020 and 70% in 2030, want to be the ones to set the course for the future.

What kind of leaders do you want to be?

Leadership has traditionally been associated with “power and” management. There are different definitions of the term “leadership” and therefore a certain controversy at the theoretical level about what this concept means. This has given rise to an emerging culture of training and promotion of leaders, which tend to develop in various styles.

In fact, an economy has been generated that revolves around this idea. From training schools of “desirable qualities” to universities whose slogan refers to the training of “professional leaders”, which also highlights various publications and books that try to help find the basic keys to be a great leader. However, we will say that true leadership is not found or achieved through books or training courses. The basic key to a good leader is to be “authentic”, that is, to be yourself.

It is true that the world is constantly changing and that various social, technological, political and cultural advances mean that leadership also needs to adapt. Hence the importance of fostering leadership qualities and skills in the new generations so that they can face the challenges of the globalized world. Companies and other organizations require capable, inspiring people with decision-making and innovation capacity . Ultimately, they look for leaders among their ranks.

Along with many other social actors and analysts, at AIESEC we consider that some of the most important characteristics of the leaders of the future are:

• Leadership and Management Capacity

• Multiculturalism

• Communicative skills

• Critical thinking and problem solving

Leadership is no longer a management tool, young people define it as a behavior, an attitude or a way of being able to create a positive impact in their environment . Young people want to develop personally, socially and professionally to achieve a maximum exploration of themselves and the environment around them. Share knowledge and skills for joint development with others. As Emilio Froján, former director of institutional relations at AIESEC, commented, “young people are aware that their value in society is related to the positive impact they create on their environment”.

The development of a global understanding, acquiring  intercultural skills , learning new languages, providing solutions to the problems of global society. In fact, many young people look for experiences abroad, volunteering or professional internships when they finish their university studies.

This is how AIESE C has determined a  youth leadership model ( LDM ,  Leadership Development Model ) from which thousands of young people benefit each year. This model takes into account the  concerns, challenges and aspirations of young people  from a  global perspective,  since it is intended to create a leadership model that any young person in the world can live and share wherever they are.

For all the above, AIESEC promotes the activation of youth leadership through different programs with foreign companies or international volunteers, with the aim that each participant creates a positive impact on society and can  inspire others  to also have a positive impact. in your enviroment.

The key to progress is found in the construction of favorable environments for young people, it is therefore necessary to join forces between companies, institutions and the educational community. For only through a youth where there is proactive leadership will it be possible to achieve the progress that society needs.

If you want to know more about our leadership model and how we develop it, you can contact us here .

By Victoria Sánchez