Age Aint Nothin' But A Number

Posted by Scott Williams
8 Comments
August 26, 2008
Controversy | Leadership

Age Aint Nothin’ But A Number and Wise Beyond Your Years are two phrases that can be used in the discussion of young leaders.  Relative to leadership: Can age just be a number or can a young leader be wise beyond their years?  My answer is an unequivocal yes.  I have a friend who is a youth pastor and we consistently have this healthy debate on age, wisdom, young leaders… and he is a big proponent of having “Old and Wise” individuals as compared to “Young and Fresh.”  I personally think that individuals can definitely be wise beyond their years and therefore “Young and Wise.”

I think that our difference in opinion is relative to our different work experiences; he was poured into and led by what he would refer to as “Old and Wise” and I was mentored by that same type individual; however my mentor would always encourage me with a “Scott you are wise beyond your years and this took me 15 years to figure out.”  My mentor’s willingness to see through the age barrier afforded me the opportunity at the age of 25, to be the youngest Warden in the State of Oklahoma and potentially the youngest in the country.  We had a team that out-performed all of the other correctional institutions in the State and I had to work harder and be better to gain approval of my colleagues whom were twice my age.   Don’t get me wrong, I understand that age can be ”A Factor;” however it’s not “The Factor!”  There are more young people in leadership positions today than ever before; as organizations like that these young leaders bring a fresh energy, teachability and new perspective.  I have worked with, trained, led and I am currently leading some amazingly gifted young leaders with bright futures… and we learn from each other everyday.

Age alone is not a guarantee of success or failure, although age and experience can reduce the risk.  I say take all factors into consideration: chemistry, competency, character, raw intellect, drive, heart, life experience, passion, potential, track record, references, leadership experience, leadership potential… and oh yes age!  We live in a day and age with the youngest ever Governors, Presidential Candidates, Head Coaches, CEO’s, Senior Pastors, Educators, Executives… so remember Age Aint Nothin’ But a Number and You Can Be Wise Beyond Your Years. 

Share Your Thoughts!  Relative to leadership, is age just a number? Can Leaders be young and wise?  Can older leaders learn from young leaders?  Chime in, sound off…!

  • http://talkisblue.com Heady

    as you stated “age can be ”A Factor;” however it’s not “The Factor!” at the end of the day, i would rather have young, mature, and wise…preferably 30ish v.s. 20ish.

  • http://www.manymeadows.blogspot.com Robin Meadows

    It all depends on the person! Thanks for believing what you do :)

  • http://rollmentalcamera.blogspot.com roger

    I think you have to have year under your belt to be wise. Smart is a different story and even being a good leader can be filled by a young person. But to be truly wise you need to have lived.
    I think there is as much to learn from the youth as their is from the aged. The person just has to be willing to look past the number and see the person for what they are

  • http://nicole.knox.blogspot.com Nicole Knox

    Good stuff!

  • http://www.dariustwilliams.blogspot.com Darius T. Williams

    Sure – a person can be wise beyond their years – that’s possible. I’m an example of that. But when it comes to certain cirlces of life when this “wise beyond their years” person has to interject advice or stand as a leader to those older to him/her – you’ve gotta be careful. Sometimes folks don’t receive well to a person younger than them on wisdom and advice.

  • http://www.openapologies.org aaron

    if you are doing what God wants with your life, age doesn’t matter one bit. I’d follow any leader regardless of age if they were spiritually wise.

  • http://whosreadsthisstuff.blogspot.com/ K Ford

    I’m 25. I work with 2 other teachers, one is 40ish and the other is 60ish. We work really well together because we learn from each other. I bring new ideas and help them out with technology stuff. The 40 year old can teach math like nobody’s business. She gives us ideas to use and try out. The 60 year old is still incredibly passionate about the work that she does. She’s always looking for something that will further the students knowledge. I look at her and think, “She’s an awesome teacher! I wanna be like that.”
    The 3 of us make a powerhouse team! It makes me think of Ecc. 4:12 A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.

    My wisdom came from those who poured into my life. And what good is a youth’s wisdom if it isn’t passed along?

  • http://allboutworship.wordpress.com/ allboutworship

    I’m 26. Before I was hired for my current job, I had two individuals pouring into me. One was in his early 40′s the other is my age. Because of these two individuals I know my leadership and my faith have been strengthened. Age is only a number. Ok I’m pulling out the Word on this one. What about Timothy? Paul wrote “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” Paul knew the weight of the responsibility of a young leader. It is a tough bag to carry. However, if God calls a younger person to lead, God will make sure he/she will be equipped for the call.

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