We are each heavily shaped and impacted through the experiences we have as children. These pivotal years can be filled with love, lessons learned, and critical social mechanisms to thrive with our fellow human beings.

As the world is rapidly transforming due to technology, hyper-connectivity, and clear division through political beliefs, it can be hard to navigate this landscape as adults.

Wanting to best prepare and make sense of this for future generations is a whole other story in and of itself.

So what are skills that will best prepare future generations to come?

This is a note to self on areas I want to be mindful of when I raise my own kids one day and set a great example for those that are currently in my life.

Critical Thinking

Artificial intelligence and automation are at our doorstep. It will be more necessary than ever to have a great mind and ability to think in complex situations without judgement.

With social media algorithms it is easy to live in our own bubbles of ideology. As America becomes more divided (specifically during the upcoming elections) it will show true character for each of us to sit down with opposing beliefs and truly hear what they have to say without lashing out.

We are in this together. We need to be able to see big picture, have patience, and find a way that works for us all.

Storytelling

As an owner of a marketing agency that helps impactful messages go viral everyday, I see and understand the power of story consistently. Clear communication is vital to sharing ideas and improving every area of life. Storytelling is much more than communication though. Story is the ability to format messages with emotional connection, and journey, that leaves lasting impact and sometimes radical change for the end listener.

Story is one of our oldest forms of communications as humans. Long before we tweeted or even wrote on the walls of caves, our ancestors were educating each other on which plant to eat and not eat through story around a fire. Important life lessons were shown through the courageous acts of central figures in those stories.

We have changed over the past thousands of years but the impact story can have for our lives, growth, and even business are still the same.

Teaching others how to properly tell great stories and communicate is one of the best gifts you can give someone.

Emotional Intelligence

According to pyschology.com, “Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others”

As I have personally stepped into more leadership positions in my life, I see how important this trait is. To not instantly react or lash out at others but, instead, take time to think clearly and come from a place of love and productivity. The team that works with me needs someone they can trust and rely on. They need someone they can come to without fear of consequences.

I am unsure how to integrate this into traditional education. Meditation and other mindfulness practices have shown great results but I will leave it to the educators to decide on best practices. If it weren’t through great examples in my life and my curiosity to study Stoicism and other self-development work, I’m not sure where my emotional maturity would be. I also know that there is so much more to be done on a personal level.

Vocalizing this trait with our youth, family, and friends is a great start.

There are my three. What are more that you would add to this list?