Leading the Way With Next Generation Leadership: Book Review of "When We’re in Charge"

The Shifting World of Leadership

Throughout history, leadership has been a constant need, yet its definition has rarely stood still. In our era, the very meaning of leadership is undergoing profound transformation. The traditional paradigms of top-down authority and rigid hierarchies are dissolving into something more inclusive, more fluid, and ultimately more human.

Today, leadership is not confined to titles or corner offices. It is measured by the ability to inspire, to connect, and to advance a purpose larger than oneself. Amanda Litman captures this shift in her book When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership, positioning it as both a disruption and an opportunity.

The passing of the torch is not a seamless relay—it is dynamic, sometimes chaotic, and undeniably urgent. In such a moment, we need a new kind of wisdom and a new kind of leader.

About the Author and Her Call to Action

Amanda Litman is a force of civic engagement, known for co-founding Run for Something, the nonprofit dedicated to recruiting and supporting young, progressive candidates for local office. From her early days interning on political campaigns to empowering thousands of rising leaders, her career has embodied her message: you don’t need an invitation to lead.

Her work demonstrates that change is not only possible but necessary, and that leadership often begins when ordinary people step up—even before they feel fully ready. This philosophy pulses through her writing, offering encouragement, practical tools, and proof that individuals can shape their communities when they decide to act.

A Comprehensive Guide to Taking the Lead

When We’re in Charge is more than a book; it’s part vision, part toolkit, and part mentorship from someone who has walked the road she describes. Litman doesn’t romanticize leadership. She strips away the myth of the “born leader” and replaces it with the truth: leadership is a skill, a decision, and most importantly, an act of service.

The book provides clear, actionable advice for anyone ready to step forward. It tackles challenges such as team-building, managing conflict, and addressing imposter syndrome. Litman acknowledges the emotional toll leadership can take and balances empathy with strategic insight. Her voice is equal parts encouragement and instruction—always pushing readers toward meaningful, purpose-driven action.

Significant Points and Leadership Principles

Litman emphasizes several principles that define next generation leadership:

Authenticity as a Non-Negotiable Asset: True leadership begins with authenticity. Litman makes it clear: facades have no place in effective leadership. People are drawn to leaders who are genuine, vulnerable, and real. Authenticity creates trust, and trust builds connection. Integrity is no longer optional—it is the foundation of influence.

Purpose Before Position: Litman urges leaders to define their “why.” Titles are temporary, but purpose endures. A clear mission becomes a compass in uncertain times. As Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa and Anti-Apartheid Leader, once said: “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”

Leadership that begins with mission, not ego, outlasts any position.

The Power of the Collective: Leadership is not a solo act. Litman emphasizes building teams and empowering communities. The most enduring change comes when leaders invite others into ownership of the mission. Connection multiplies capacity, while isolation weakens it.

Action Over Aspiration: Leadership is not an abstract idea. It is a daily choice to act, often in small, consistent ways. Litman shows how incremental steps add up to lasting transformation. Angela Duckworth, Psychologist and Author of Grit, put it best: “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals."

Dreaming is not enough—what matters is the courage to act.

The Courage to Be Unfinished: Perhaps one of Litman’s most powerful ideas is that leaders need not wait until they feel flawless. Doubt and fear are companions of leadership, not disqualifiers. Growth requires the willingness to lead while still learning. As Winston Churchill, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, reminded us: “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Leadership does not demand perfection. It demands perseverance.

Expanding the Vision of Next Generation Leadership

Litman’s work speaks to both emerging and seasoned leaders:

• For emerging leaders, she offers permission to start now. You don’t need the corner office. Influence begins with a decision to stand for something meaningful.

• For seasoned leaders, she issues a challenge: dismantle barriers, mentor intentionally, and open doors. Leadership is no longer about protecting authority—it is about multiplying it by lifting others.

The lesson is clear: every generation has something to teach, but this generation has something urgent to give. Inclusive, transparent, and mission-driven leadership is not only desirable—it is necessary for organizations that want to thrive.

Review of When We’re in Charge 

Amanda Litman’s When We’re in Charge succeeds because it is practical, passionate, and deeply authentic. It blends wisdom with stories, strategy with encouragement, and conviction with compassion. What sets it apart from other leadership books is its accessibility—it is written by a doer, for doers.

The book is especially valuable for those who feel marginalized in traditional leadership spaces. It assures them that they belong, and that their voice matters. For established leaders, it offers a window into new paradigms and challenges them to create environments where young leaders can flourish.

In the end, When We’re in Charge is more than a guidebook—it is a rallying cry. It calls us to lead with authenticity, to place purpose above position, to build collectives instead of empires, to act boldly in small ways, and to find courage in our unfinished state. The time for next generation leadership is not tomorrow. It is now.

Thanks for reading! The next generation of leadership is already rising, and each of us has a role in shaping it. If you’re inspired by Amanda Litman’s vision, I encourage you to join our community of 9.5 million+ leaders worldwide who receive fresh insights every weekday. Subscribe for free at https://www.aspirations-group.com/subscription and stay equipped with wisdom to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.