How to Effectively Lead a Hip Hop & MTV Generation - Nu Leadership Series

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to doleaders need to be real, relevant, and respectful to gain
something you want done because he wants to do it."credibility with this subculture. Given this premise,
Dwight D. Eisenhowerorganizations should adopt the following
Let's explore how leaders operate within a changingrecommendations to improve the value system gap
social climate. Good leaders make decisions within abetween leaders and followers: (a) share corporate
cultural framework. This Emergent Workforce, thevalues, (b) assist employees with self discovery, and
new workforce that will replace the massive exodus(c) model the way of proper cultural values.
of the Baby Boomer retirees, will challenge the currentFinally, this multi-ethnic movement as defined by Hip
organizational paradigms. Therefore, leaders shouldHop, creates many oxymorons. For example, the
examine their decisions through these culturalnumber one rapper was a White male while the
constraints. Although some leaders understand thenumber one golfer was an Asian-Black male.
characteristics of Generation X and Echo BoomerUnfortunately, some youth who feel mistreated and
employees, many managers are ignorant aboutignored by society carry rage within them. From rural
subcultures such as Hip Hop.to global communities, Hip Hop influences leadership
First, let's vigilantly examine this Hip Hop phenomena.thought in youth. Scholars and traditional managers
Routinely, outsiders view Hip Hop as a narrow-focushave simply ignored its significance. However, effective
culture, containing gangsta rap and vulgar music videos.leaders who gain a unique understanding of cultural
On the contrary, Hip Hop refers to a countercultureevents can turn this knowledge of subcultures into a
movement with its Black roots which includes music,competitive advantage. Start today!
fashion, and political activism. Smith and Jackson, HipReferences:
Hop experts, argue that the Hip Hop culture is a majorLovett, Bobby (February 24, 2005). Conversation with
influence in the world today which challenges theDr. Lovett, Tennessee State University historian, at the
thinking of many traditional institutions.BIG Scholarship Luncheon, Tennessee, about the Hip
Second, as a valuable leader, you need to understandHop Generation with Daryl Green.
how this subculture affects your employees and yourSmith, E. & Jackson, P. (2005). The Hip Hop
relationships with them. Postmodern influences areChurch. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Press.
clearly seen in urban subculture where its followers areWren, D. (1994). The Evolution of Management
characterized by (a) questioning everything, (b) viewingThought. New York, NY: John Wiley &
truth as relative, (c)valuing relationships over institutions,Sons, Inc.
and (d) valuing the ability of storytelling. Therefore,© 2006 by Daryl D.
Smith and Jackson advocate that organizational