After reviewing the available research on the relationship between age and leadership, Frank Walter and Susan Scheibe (2012) identified a few relevant findings. In task-oriented behaviour—getting the job done—younger and older leaders appear to be equally effective. Age doesn’t seem to impact a leader’s willingness to step up, issue directives, and provide rewards for performance.
In contrast, however, age does seem to affect a leader’s openness to change. As leaders grow older, they become less willing to make changes and are less interested in innovation.
Here is a list of the youngest national leaders around the world:
