Determination and Discernment Form the Bedrock of an Effective Leadership Strategy (YouVersion)

One of the negative reputations millennials have is that they lack resiliency. They start a project enthusiastically, but give up as soon as they meet an obstacle. Failure can be catastrophic and debilitating for some.

Experts say that the problem comes from too many participation awards for just showing up. Or, from parents who act more like peers than parents, not letting their children fail and thereby learn how to pick themselves back up. This is in contrast to a healthier parenting where there is strong accountability with high standards, coupled with a strong support system and encouragement.

At its root, the inability to be resilient is due to a lack of the character trait of determination.

Determination is the character quality that is needed to fuel resoluteness as millennials face modern-day challenges to forward momentum and faith. How do we teach young leaders to run in such a way as to get the prize?

Share stories. Think about times when you tackled a difficult task or faith challenge. What kept you moving forward?

• Reflect on the principles, skills, and mindsets you’ve developed over the years. 
• Tell them your story, authentically. Be willing to talk about your fears and failures, what motivated you to push through discouragement, and how your faith matured. 
• Ask your millennial leader how your experiences might apply to their current life or faith challenge. Then listen and ask questions to understand their perspectives. 

Work out the determination muscle. How do we guide them to build that muscle? Over the next thirty days, encourage them to do daily or regularly:

• Go to the gym to build physical strength, which can help power mental, emotional, and spiritual strength
• Find a way to get the Word of God regularly, whether with a Bible text, a YouVersion, or notes on a mirror
• Discover a way to pray that works with how they are particularly wired, such as popcorn prayer, prayer-jogging, or prayer-journaling
• talk with you about their faith challenges and ask questions

All of these stretch current comfort zones. Thus, they include victories to celebrate. When your young leader, your Joshua, gets knocked down or stumbles, encourage them to get back on track and pray with them. As you help them, ask for their help in supporting you as you run your own race of faith. Help build resiliency and the character trait of determination. 

Updated Reflections: Determination and Discernment Form the Bedrock of Effective Leadership in the AI age

Here’s one of the leadership development challenges I often see – when obstacles show up, many young leaders struggle to push through. 

Yet, determination is a critical leadership trait that AI cannot replicate—and mentors must intentionally model and cultivate it in young leaders.

Your future leader is growing up in a culture of convenience. That’s not necessarily their fault; it’s just the world they were born into.

Some say it’s the result of the “participation award” era or parents who are more like peers than mentors. Young leaders often haven’t had the chance to fail—and learn from it. And now, in a world where artificial intelligence offers instant solutions, it’s even easier to avoid the discomfort that leads to growth.

That’s why Determination matters more than ever.

In the first article of this series, we explored your Convergence Moment—when character, calling, and competencies align for Kingdom impact. Now, we turn our attention to the first trait in the D.A.K.O.T.A. Framework: Determination.

Why Determination Matters in the AI Age

Determination is about showing up, again and again, even when it’s hard.

Here’s the thing about AI: it’s smart, fast, and efficient. But it doesn’t persevere. It doesn’t struggle, stumble, or stand back up after failure. That’s the job of human leaders, especially those who lead with character. Leaders are strongly advised to mentor on determination.

It’s the quiet courage to keep going, especially when a shortcut is just a click away. And in today’s world, where it’s easy to avoid effort, leaders who can endure discomfort are more valuable—and more needed—than ever.

Making disciples, as Matthew 28:19 instructs, takes determination. It requires patience, perseverance, and the will to keep going even when things get tough. Leaders show determination when they stay the course, even when progress feels slow.

The words “make disciples” remind us that your leadership strategy cannot be a one-time act. It is a determined process of teaching, guiding, and shaping others. Just as discipleship requires persistence, so does leadership with character—it’s a long-haul commitment, not a quick win.

Create Character-Based Leadership Strategies to Leave a Legacy of Grit

In Millennials Matter: Proven Strategies for Building Your Next Gen Leader, I open the chapter on Determination with a story I lived:

I didn’t learn determination in a seminar; I learned it on the rugged plains of North Dakota.

I grew up on The Triple T Ranch, in an 800-square-foot, tar-papered shack with no running water. I used an outhouse until I was thirteen. This wasn’t the type of ranch that makes for glamorous Instagram posts. It was grit, cold, and struggle.

My dad, “Super Dad” as I called him, worked three jobs to provide for the family and to fuel my parents’ dream of owning a cattle ranch. My mom, or as I call her, “Super Mom,” had four children under the age of five. She washed laundry with a wringer washing machine, froze vegetables from the garden, picked berries and made jelly, raised geese, and more. It was a tough, exhausting life.

In 1966, one of the worst blizzards ever recorded swept across the Northern Plains. Snowbanks reached ten feet high. We were snowed in for over a week. Approximately 74,500 head of cattle, 54,000 sheep, and 2,400 hogs died in that storm throughout the Northern Plains.

Many gave up and left these taxing conditions, but my parents never gave up. They stayed. They worked. They persevered. They personified determination just as they embraced the virtues of Fortitude, Hope, Temperance, and Faith. They were committed to pursuing their vision and goals despite physical hardships, financial setbacks, and multiple roadblocks.

Today, the TripleT Ranch still thrives, a place of rest and beauty. But it was built on decades of determination.

Who are some of the role models who have inspired you to develop determination as part of your character strength? How did you learn this virtue through their leadership performance?

The D.A.K.O.T.A. Framework Builds Determination

To help translate timeless virtues into real-world leadership, I created the D.A.K.O.T.A. Framework. Each letter represents a character trait that connects to a classical virtue and helps leaders build a strong, courageous core.

How can you use DETERMINATION, the first virtue in the D.A.K.O.T.A. Framework, to encourage your Next-Gen leader to finish strong?

You need to coach them on how to keep going when it gets hard. To build not just technical skills, but character strength that can withstand daunting challenges.

Determination creates the kind of resilience AI can’t teach, replicate, or replace.

So, how can you be a Moses to your Joshua leader? How might you help them grow in determination and prepare them to lead well in this fast, digital world?

Use these Action Steps to Build Determination

I invite you to try these 3 practical ways to nurture grit in your Joshua-leader:

1. Explore Their Inner Grit

Use a “Determination Self-Check” to spark reflection. Ask:

• • Do you finish what you start, even when it’s tough?
  • Can you manage your emotions under pressure?
  • Do you stick to your values even when it’s unpopular?
  • Can you collaborate with people you disagree with?

Encourage them to journal or record their responses as voice notes before your next coaching session. You’re not just checking in, you’re helping them check within.

2. Tell Them Your Story

Young leaders need more than polished advice. They need real-life examples. Share a time when you almost gave up. What helped you push through? How did your faith carry you?

Even if your story feels messy or unfinished, it can give others the courage to keep going. You don’t have to preach. Just be present.

3. Suggest a “Grit Workout”

Determination grows through small, repeated effort. Challenge your Next-Gen leaders to take on a task that stretches them this month. Here are some ideas:

• • Join you for a tough physical workout.
  • Try a daily Scripture rhythm—reading, listening, or even writing verses on sticky notes.
  • Use a walking prayer or a gratitude journal.
  • Commit to showing up weekly for your mentoring session, no matter how they feel.

Growth comes in the showing up—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Your Leadership Takeaway: Lead the Way in Building Determination

Mentor your Joshua-leader by helping them practice and grow in determination through consistent, real-life experiences and honest conversations.

Determination isn’t a personality trait; it’s a leadership strength forged through challenge. In a world where AI can generate answers instantly, it’s grit, perseverance, and faith that will set the next generation apart.

As a coach, you can help your Joshua-leader develop a fortitude no machine can replicate. AI can generate answers, but only human hearts anchored in Christ can model what it means to persevere.

Who’s your Joshua?

Keep showing up for them. Help them run with purpose. Because great leaders don’t just finish – they finish strong.

Your leadership matters NOW, more than ever.

Stay tuned for our next article in the D.A.K.O.T.A. Framework Series. We’ll focus on Awareness. How might you cultivate character-based awareness in your Next-Gen leader?

Leadership Lesson: Create Character-based Leadership Strategies to Leave a Legacy of Grit and Determination.

Leadership Question: How might you create a character-based leadership strategy that will leave a legacy of grit and determination?

© Copyright Danita Bye – (Edited by ChatGPT for clarity and flow).