You Will Never Regret Investing in the Next Generation

You Will Never Regret Investing in the Next Generation

Lesson #30 from 40 Lessons in 40 Years

When I think about the leaders who’ve left the greatest legacy, they all have one thing in common: they didn’t just build—they passed it on. They didn’t cling to the spotlight or protect their turf. They gave their wisdom, their platform, and their time to younger leaders.

That’s the kind of legacy that lasts.

In his book From Strength to Strength, Arthur Brooks says,

“Success is about making the most of your strengths; meaning is about making the most of your time.”

If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and still trying to build your résumé, you’re aiming at the wrong scoreboard. The leaders I admire most in this stage of life are no longer trying to prove themselves—they’re pouring themselves out.

They’re showing up for coffee with that 26-year-old staffer. They’re giving away the mic. They’re lending their credibility to help someone else open a door. They are grabbing young leaders and giving them opportunities they personally never had.

They know the work of significance is different than the work of success.

And here's the beautiful irony: when you give yourself to the next generation, you don’t become irrelevant—you become indispensable. Your influence multiplies in ways your résumé never could.

How to Start

You don’t need a formal mentorship program to start investing in young leaders. You just need to be intentional. Here are a few small ways to start:

  • Call it out. Tell them what you see. “You’ve got a gift for this,” might be the sentence that changes their trajectory.

  • Give them a voice. Invite them to the table, even if they’re not “ready.” Give them space to speak—and then listen.

  • Open doors. Introduce them to someone they couldn’t meet on their own. Share your network.

  • Let them try and fail. And celebrate their courage, not just their success.

  • Keep learning from them. They might not have your experience, but they have insight. And your humility to listen might just deepen the relationship.

One of my favorite organizations that I personally support is Generation Distinct. Every summer I get the opportunity to mentor several young leaders who are hungry, asking great questions, and need a bit of wind in their sails. If you are looking for a way to start, I’ll connect you with this amazing team of young leaders.

The ROI Is Eternal

There are no guarantees in leadership—but this I can promise: you will never regret pouring into someone else. Even if they move on. Even if they surpass you. Even if you never get credit.

Because it’s not about your name. It’s about your legacy.

Your ceiling can become someone else’s floor. That’s how the kingdom moves forward.

So today, take one small step. Send the text. Make the call. Offer the invitation.

The next generation is ready. The question is—will you show up?

Download the full list of the 40 Lessons I’ve learned from 40 years in ministry here. My hope is that somewhere in these 40 lessons, you find a reminder that you’re not alone, a challenge that stirs your thinking, or a bit of wisdom that gives you strength for the road ahead.

And check out Season 2 of The LeadingSmart Podcast, where I discuss these 40 lessons in depth.

LeadershipAnna BakerComment