Dear Gen Z,

Here’s the truth about you. You’ve been handed a mess you didn’t create, but are responsible for cleaning up. It sucks and it’s not fair, but it is real and really critical that you take this seriously because we’re all counting on you. 

Truth be told, we made a mess of things. We tried to correct the wrongs foisted upon us, and in doing so, we created different wrongs we foisted upon you. All this only to realize that the Boomers were trying to do the same for us, which resulted in the same outcomes for all. Let me explain. 

“Once is a mistake, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.” Many of us have heard this saying before and are aware that patterns often indicate deeper systemic issues. However, although we recognize the need to address root causes, if we’re honest, it’s easy to default to treating symptoms instead of causes, and to view people as problems rather than addressing the underlying issue. 

Great bands don’t play to the backs of people’s heads; they play to the crowd that’s listening. Great leaders ought to do the same. 

Can we learn from others’ mistakes, or do they have to be our own lessons to learn in the first place? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and believe we will–most of us–eventually learn the lessons life is trying to teach us. The question is not if, but when, and at what cost? The time it takes is critical to the process. It’s the cost that counts most. 

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank all of you, our partners and supporters, for an incredible year. Before the holidays, the ALPs team and our families enjoyed a retreat to Sunday River, Maine, to reflect, connect, and plan for 2025.

“Who is at the center of my story?” is a humbling question worth asking regularly. I’ve found that when the answer is “Me,” it’s a warning light on my dashboard of life. It creeps up on me unexpectedly, like experiencing a friend or family member’s trials and tribulations as an inconvenience instead of an opportunity. I know when I’m at the center of my own story when words like “I have to help…” emerge as opposed to “I get to help.”

Happy Veterans Day! Today, we honor and thank all those who have served in uniform, representing about 6% of the US population. Our percentage amongst the US population is shrinking, but I suspect that will change in the coming years as more young adults attempt to enter the workforce unsuccessfully and get tired of working barista and front desk jobs with their bachelor's degrees.

The assignment turned out to be a gift I never expected. Great leaders catch us by surprise that way. That last year in the Army, I wanted to glide. Matt knew I needed to give. I needed to share the wisdom I had gained through Ranger leaders, West Point leaders, and from leading in combat. Not only for the young officers, but also for my bitter heart. I was angry. Like many Soldiers, I just wanted to walk away. Matt knew I needed to say goodbye to the Army the right way. I am thankful for this because I have loved the Army since I can remember. Great leaders know that how you leave is just as important as why you stay. 

I’ve spent most of my life asking for forgiveness rather than permission–it’s dispositional and environmental. I’m described as a high DI (DominanceInfluence)/ Achiever/ Activator/ Challenger on every personality profile. Drop that disposition into the GenX experience of being grossly unmonitored throughout my youth, and you’ve got a great cocktail for initiative. And while that’s brought just as many lumps as it has rewards, the fact is I’m comfortable acting with little guidance. Not everyone feels the same, especially not our younger colleagues fresh in the workforce.

You’ll know you’re really leading when you start coming up against the shit that wasn’t in the brochure. You know, the stuff you learn about leadership when you’re actually leading, like the stuff you learn about parenting when you’re actually a parent. Like a DEFCON 5 baby blowout where poop goes up to the back of their necks! That’s the real–defying gravity–shit that wasn’t in the brochure. Leading people has its own similar experiences.