By Dan Sahd, Team Leader, Sahd Metal Recycling

Gatekeepers are out and creators are in! That’s kind of a summary of where we find society gravitating toward in almost all aspects of industry and career development.  Individuals have never had greater responsibility for their own success. Business leaders are looking for self-starters with a growth mindset who will come with solutions, not problems and who can embrace continued learning at an ever faster pace. Initiative is valued and will become an even more important attribute as we move forward.  

Why is it so important for us to take the time to recognize these leaders with The Lancaster Chamber’s 30 Under 30?  

It is my hope that learning how young leaders are innovating in their businesses and communities will inspire other business leaders to build a youth leadership program in their business to ensure that Lancaster’s rich history of local led organizations continues as we transition into the unknown economy of the future. This requires a commitment from both the employee and the leader, and both need the patience to know the trajectory is not straight upward!

The Leader’s Commitment

There has been much discussion of the AI revolution leading to countless entrepreneur led businesses.  To ensure that our businesses are sound and moving forward we need to embrace the intrapreneur. Not every ambitious young professional wants to own a business–at least not right now. Some want to build something meaningful within an existing company.

Intrapreneurs think like entrepreneurs while helping their organizations grow. They:

• Look for opportunities to improve processes
• Challenge the status quo
• Identify new markets and ideas
• Find efficiencies that save time and money
• Act like owners regardless of their title

Forward-thinking companies understand the value of these employees and give them opportunities ranging from active participation in the many learning opportunities through groups like the Lancaster Chamber, peer group membership, travel to association conferences and by encouraging them to take an active role in their community in person and online. 

Rather than fearing that they may lose entrepreneurial talent, they create environments where innovative thinkers can thrive, lead projects, and contribute to the company’s long-term success. More often than not they seek to build community because they know their efforts will lead to their growth and the growth of their organizations.

And, if they do take another career step, stay in touch. Wish them great success. And others will see your organization as one that provides the tools for a career pathway. Then you will attract like talent for the vacated role.

A Young Professional’s First Responsibility: Make Your Leader’s Job Easier

Leadership opportunities are rarely given to those who simply complete tasks. They are earned by those who create value and often anticipate the tasks their leaders would have given..

Multipliers and Impact Players Author Liz Wiseman often speaks about becoming a person who makes your leader’s job easier, not harder. That involves anticipating needs, solving problems, and taking ownership. The fastest way to earn additional responsibility is to consistently remove burdens from those around you. Leaders notice people who help move the organization forward.

So, take a few minutes to look around at young leaders in our community who are going above and beyond–they are the foundation on which our future community will be built!

The Lancaster Chamber’s 30 Under 30 awards recognize young professionals who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces, industries, and communities. Honorees are selected based on their professional accomplishments, leadership, community involvement and future potential.

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