Bridget Doyle
Bridget Doyle is the Communications Coordinator for the Village of Lombard, Ill. Prior to becoming a government communications professional, Doyle was a reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
The greatest leadership challenge you faced, and how you conquered it? ? [One] leadership challenge, especially for young leaders, is working on the same level with professionals who have much more experience. This is difficult, as there?s a need to show respect to your older colleagues while also gaining some of your own. I think the best way to gain high opinion from older colleagues is to first acknowledge their experience and seek their advice in times when it?s warranted. These people have knowledge that comes with years of work that we as young leaders just don?t. I think young leaders can receive more respect simply by tapping into this advice and acknowledging value in experience.
What trends/issues/challenges do you feel particularly apply to young leaders of today and why? ? I think leaders of today have a challenge ahead of them in terms of the future of technology and communication. Millennials in particular have been pegged by older generations as terrible with face-to-face conversation and instead reliant on technology. Those of us who grew up using the Internet and cell phones have to remember, as we advance, to hone our communication skills in person and over the phone. We must continue to sharpen our people skills and simultaneously stay conscious of proper technology etiquette. Except for casual emails, I hope young leaders avoid abbreviation and colloquial acronyms. We need to shake hands, look people in the eye and make a personal connection. I?m guilty of technology addiction too ? we just have to stay conscious of our use.