The best step forward

Millennials have been maligned.

And yes, we're guilty of sharing some of the dimmer views of the generation born approximately between 1982 and 2004. But as time goes by, we're seeing the possibilities of a brighter, better future with these young adults leading the way.

As Sholeh Patrick's column yesterday disclosed, researchers find Millennials may have something of a problem with commitment. That applies to interpersonal relationships, and it applies to employment. But on both of those fronts, there might be compelling reasons for that perceived shortcoming: These are young people who have lived through divorce as the societal norm, and they're graduates whose attempts to thrive in a workplace may have been smacked by the great recession and kicked by skittish employers unable or unwilling to make commitment a two-way street. Scared and bitter? Yes, we've seen that. And, gratefully, we've seen exceptions.

Some of these exceptions were highlighted in the 30 Under 40 edition of North Idaho Business Journal which was distributed across the region yesterday, then feted during a banquet in their honor last night at The Cellar. These aren't just hardworking, bent-on-success young professionals. These are conscientious employees and employers who are just as determined to help their community grow and prosper as they are themselves and their companies.

The key ingredient that separates 30 Under 40 winners from most of their peers is the leadership they demonstrate, no matter how low or high they might be on an organization board. As with all good leaders, integrity pushes these people to the head of the pack.

For the next year and beyond, this seventh class of 30 Under 40 winners can hold its head high. We applaud them, each and every one. We also are extremely grateful for several of the program's underwriters - namely Kootenai Health, The Cellar and this newspaper.

It's not too soon to start thinking about bright young leaders in your workplace. Next year at this time, let North Idahoans read all about them.