Day 19: Passing The Torch

The need for generations to pass on lessons and not be afraid of change

For those who recognize this piece, this is an article I wrote that was published in the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald.

A unique aspect of society is how lessons get passed from generation to generation. It is how we preserve our culture, our teachings, and our life long experiences. Let me be one of the few millennials to hark back to the “good ol’ days”, back when in villages sitting around a campfire listening to village elders recounting stories from the past was the norm. Generational values and knowledge, along with a willingness to pass these along to generations that follow have somehow been lost. No longer are elders’ words revered to the degree they should, and too often now when we hear prior generations speak, we view it negatively, as if the assumption is younger generations know nothing. Today, that campfire would likely be an app on a phone, however the need for generations to pass on lessons, experiences, and provide tutelage to the next generation is more prevalent now than perhaps ever before. Too often we think of ourselves and focus on how we will rise as opposed to finding ways we can give back to those who will follow us.

We’ve all faced it, the fear of someone younger, more tech savvy coming and replacing what we’ve accrued ten plus years of experience doing. Resentment, envy, jealousy, and overall a disdain to help the newer, younger workforce quickly follows. A mindset shift must happen.

A common gripe previous generations have is why do millennials act like this? Why don’t they have the same structure I had? A mirror must be put up in front of every generation, one where you must come to the realization that the mindset of those that followed you is a direct result of the tutelage they received from you. Instead of casting off the generation you find aggravating, take time to bring them under your wing.

Herein, lies the greatest issue: a lack of mentorship. Take the fear of being replaced and turn it into the gift of empowerment. Every generation, mine included, owes it to the next to pave the way forward — to ensure a prosperous future and impart lessons and values on those who will follow us.

Ask yourself: Who is my mentor? Who is my mentee? When was the last time I shared my success with another to empower them to succeed? Whether it’s at your place of business, in your community, or through volunteer work, take them time to pass along the value and power of mentorship. Become an elder who can ensure core morals and etiquette are not lost. We owe it to ourselves as a society to take time and tell stories around the campfire, instead of looking at it from afar and walking right on by.

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Gregoire Carter Narcisse

Written by

👔Business Man|| 🌎 World Traveler and Lover of Life|| 🎓Mentor || 💼Philanthropist || 🎤Speaker || 💆‍♂️Social Guru || 🌐Guide 📝 Writer

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