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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, February 17, 2008

COMMENTARY
Experience is good, but change is needed

By Yuki Bailey
Grade 11, Punahou School

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Yuki Bailey

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In our country's current state, change definitely matters more than experience.

Our country needs change. With the economy in recession and the problems in Iraq, we need a fresh, new leader who is not afraid to initiate changes and reforms.

Experience is, of course, important to a certain degree. One needs a certain amount of experience in one's field to make responsible and educated decisions, but leadership skills are not solely based on experience.

One does not need an excessive amount of experience to be an effective leader. If one can communicate well with one's constituents and realize what is of vital importance at a certain time, one can be a good leader. Experience can only go so far.

Also, more than experience, audacity is needed to go against traditions and conventions, and thus propel the country through much-needed changes. Open-mindedness and fearlessness combined allow for change.

Generally, the older generations prefer leaders with more experience, while the younger generations prefer leaders who embody the idea of change.

Often, the leaders who are truly able to initiate changes are changes themselves. They are not like their conventional predecessors, which makes them both appealing and risky.

Although the older generations may still dwell upon the necessity of extreme experience, the younger generations are the future, and these younger generations have faith in new, fresh leadership, even if lacking in experience.