Empowering youth with strength-based development

Youth is considered to be the hope and future of any nation. Famously said by Nelson Mandela- The youth of today are leaders of tomorrow. The National Youth Policy of India (2003) defines the youth population as those in the age group of 15- 35 years.

According to the US Census Bureau, Current World Population is 7,871,800,559. The sequence of 5 most populous countries as per Jul 1, 2021-

♦ China- 1,407,098,834

♦ India- 1,380,721,926

♦ United States- 331,893,745

♦ Indonesia- 275, 122,131

♦ Pakistan- 238,181,034

In India unemployed youth is 23.01 per cent of total workforce population.

This youngest determinant of the nation is undergoing the most traumatic phase during the Pandemic when they are adversely impacted on their careers. Along with the skill and creating opportunities for the youth when we look at the data which reflects the ratio of the unemployed youth, it is yet important to balance the psychological and social ecosystem of the youth.

Why is there a need to balance the ecosystem of the youth?

Generations who have witnessed any kind of major event share some kind of specific characteristics. Such generations try to seek loyalty, a more meaningful life, and order in their world. This youth shapes their life beyond full-time jobs or monthly payments and this change of intent moves in Generations and it calls for the responsibility of the organizations and the government to make shifts and frame different strategies at appropriate levels.

Programmes on rethinking, creating Thought Leadership, blended programs for a strategic career towards the development and growth of the nation will give a shift towards the economic development of the country. As per the data of unemployment, and the analysis based on past trends, based on the kind of unpredictable future we are leaping for, the focus on youth development for their balanced growth is one of the prime factors to look for.

The trajectory of growth till 2019 looks to be substantially accelerating, yet the unprecedented trajectory of employment after 2019 has been very shaky.

Readiness of the youth- strength based development

To be the change that you want to see – the youth of the nation along with all the support and schemes from the government should be ready to sacrifice their comfort zone and focus on the goals and impact on the economy. The youth is a social actor and hence their vision should be for the economic stability of the nation. This also calls for their willingness to sharpen their acumen in their forte and embrace the constant changes of life. Have an approach of giving solutions with the intent of creating a harmonious and rich country. What are the values and morals and knowledge required to lead a meaningful life!

Recalling what Lao Tzu "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened"

The process of enlightenment begins with inner engineering and aligning yourself with your core values, strengths, and weaknesses. Our strengths even define our governing emotions. Choosing career options based on strengths will give you a larger purpose in life to create a positive impact on your and your nation's growth and development as well.

The core values and the emotions that are innate in us right from childhood always remain with us as our strength. As long as we stop considering them and using them meticulously, they drive us as a driving force, else they remain in the basement and become the weakness in our personality. Where to strive for excellence should always be the benchmark, awareness of strengths will make you consistent towards achieving your goals near to perfectionism and excellence. This awareness further is complemented by the knowledge and skills which are acquirable. And then the cycle of defining long-term and short-term goals begins.

As per Broadly, there are 4 domains of Strengths- Relationship Building, Executing, Strategic Thinking, and Influencing.

All the strengths that we possess are segmented in the following domains. Once they are identified by people, most of their approaches towards choosing careers and taking them forward also take a shift.

Often getting confused in the meaning of Talents and strengths. Talent till the time is not put in practice remains raw talent and after adequate awareness when it is consciously put in practice becomes a Strength.

To create a positive impact on the economic reformation, a strength-based development is an organic development of youth. As per the analysis and survey of Gall ups in people-driven with strengths gives 29% increased profits, 19 % increased sales, 72 % permanency in their jobs, thus reducing attrition and increasing 7% higher engagement. To channelise the youth optimally when they have ambitious plans and will to create impact to drive their purposeful life, Strength-based Philosophy creates positive sentiments and their organic development.

Having an understanding of the importance of awareness of Strengths it becomes imperative for the youth to discover their strengths and governing emotions before they get mixed in the rat race and take charge of their lives to take on the world. Where the youth develop themselves by the process of self-awareness, to bring reformations at a socio-economic level Millennial Developmental framework has also been identified as one of the priorities to boost the country economically.

Government policies like Higher Education Missions and PMKVY can be an add-on, along with the Private sector as a ground-breaking partner in the same. Partnering with national stakeholders like TATA, Reliance, Wipro, Infosys, Aditya-Birla group can play in creating loyalties of the youth by supporting them at the right time.

The organic process of developing youth as per their innate strengths and giving them exposure of their boldness, risk-taking, creative confidence, and channelizing them positively does call for a need to align educational policies and training frameworks with prioritizing nation development needs and labor market requirements.

Whether there is a desire or dream of setting up a business or engaging in any productive work, the awareness of strengths, core values, and governing emotions are the major contributors to empowering youth and a progressive economy.

(The author is a Award Winning Executive Coach, IIM- L Alumni- Strategic Management, Indian Achiever Award Winner 2020-2021, State President Woman India Chamber of Commerce and

Industry, Writer, Speaker, Skydiver, Ex Army Officer.)