When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership

by Amanda Litman

Featured on Forbes, Morning Joe, Teen Vogue, Pod Save America, and more

From Amanda Litman, cofounder of Run for Something, “a refreshingly candid, delightfully irreverent guide to leadership for the next generation.” ―Adam Grant

“The workplace is evolving more rapidly than ever. When We’re In Charge has all the insights and advice for leaders to navigate these choppy waters.” ―Sami Sage, New York Times bestselling author of Democracy in Retrograde

Most leadership books treat millennials and Gen Z like nuisances to manage around, focusing on how leaders from older generations can fit young people into their existing corporate cultures.

Not this one. When We’re In Charge is a no-bullshit guide for the next generation of leaders on how to show up differently, break the cycle of bad boomer leadership, and navigate the changing demands of those in power and the evolving expectations people have of their workplace.

Based on author Amanda Litman’s experience as a founder and executive (and mom of two who’s trying desperately to have a life outside of work), and informed by conversations with more than 100 next-gen leaders across politics, business, media, tech, education, and more—and including people like Versha Sharma, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue; Maxwell Frost, first Gen Z member of Congress; and Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc—this book is a vital resource for new leaders trying to figure out how to get stuff done without making your team or yourself miserable.

When We’re in Charge offers solutions for sticky
-How to be yourself without giving your full self to your role
-How to think about social media when your team sees what you post
-How to set up guardrails for work-life balance

Litman also makes powerful arguments about the practices and shape of
-Why a four-day work week is the future
-Why transparency is a powerful tool that can do real damage if not wielded with intention
-Why it matters for you, the boss, to both provide and take family leave

A necessary read for all who occupy or aspire to leadership roles, When We’re in Charge is a vision for a future where leaders at work, in communities, and across the country are compassionate, genuine, and effective.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook, Politics, Leadership, Management, Activism

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

Amanda Litman is the cofounder and president of Run for Something, which recruits and supports young, diverse leaders running for local office -- since 2017, they’ve launched the careers of thousands of millennials and Gen Z candidates and in the process, changed what leadership looks like in America. She’s also the author of “Run for Something: A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself,” (Atria) a how-to manual for people running for office.

Before launching Run for Something, Amanda worked on multiple presidential and statewide political campaigns. She graduated from Northwestern University and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two daughters, and their sometimes rowdy dog.

Reviews

[Robyn Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a GenX leader. This book wasn’t written for me. If you’re a GenX or Boomer leader, it wasn’t written for you either. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it.

One reviewer (I’m guessing not a Millennial or Gen Z — the stated audience) claimed it’s a “very simplistic book.” Well, maybe that’s because it is for an audience that’s newly navigating the workplace! And that’s what I found most interesting.

As an organization development consultant, I’m constantly telling my GenX and Boomer clients that professionals just entering the workplace need a radically different onboarding experience — they don’t know what they don’t know. Now, thanks to Litman’s book, they have the opportunity to access the kind of professional onboarding they need and often aren’t getting in most workplaces.

What I also admire about this book is the fact that Litman wrote it. She’s sarcastic at times, exasperated at times, and really just over the BS so many of us have dealt with throughout careers. She could be like a whole lot of jaded folks and just bitch and moan, but instead, she dedicated a year of Fridays to educate herself and others about what’s necessary to lead purpose-driven organizations. In other words, Litman gives a f#ck about the state of the workplace — and she’s doing something to make it better. Well, doesn’t that fly in the face of the "Millennial and Gen Z don't like to work" stereotype!

Regardless of the era that shaped who you are, I hope you’ll read this book. And if you are a “white, cisgender, heterosexual Boomer,” please don’t be offended by those pretty consistent references. The truth is … the patriarchy has done a load of harm to all women and people of color, and we’re collectively pretty over it. “White, cisgender, heterosexual Boomers” really have benefited from the patriarchy. So please, if that describes your identity, lean in with curiosity and self-reflection.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely baffles me that she only mentions Gen X twice. But, despite that, this book really made me think and solidify some things for myself!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is a lot of this things we already know? Perhaps. BUT, sometimes we need to HEAR it anyway. As a Gen X, it wasn't necessarily written for me. I still found it hopeful. Full of ideas that are quite frankly necessary for our current world. We deserve work/life balance. We deserve leaders who care.

[Dan Ayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have any role in management or leadership...Read this. Read it immediately.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by David Hogg, so I thought it was going to be about the younger generation stepping up to become political leaders. It’s not that, but there are hints of it throughout. Amanda Litman runs an organization that helps progressive candidate campaigns around the country, but the book isn’t really about that. It’s about being a good millennial boss. The book did a decent enough job with that, and it’s a pretty progressive book, so it throws out some big ideas like 4-day work weeks, good paternity leave, and all that.

There were some ideas in the book that I didn’t totally agree with, but I think it’s a good read overall. Definitely something people should check out if they want to be more progressive with their leadership style.

[Elyse Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY a nonfiction book about what leadership looks like in 2025 that is not just a bunch of cliches or lofty, unattainable ideas. This new playbook by Amanda Litman is filled with actual tips and questions and feedback and to-dos. What a concept! I recommend this for millennial + genZ leaders and managers who crave a bit more direction on how to show up and encourage others to show up in a way that feels authentic but aren’t quite sure HOW to do that. Super valuable!

[Christine Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t so much a book on philosophy as much as it was a guide to navigating the challenges that the next generation of leaders face. So you want to be a transparent leader? This book explains the additional challenges that brings and how to navigate them. Other topics include setting boundaries, friendships in the workplace, etc. This has some really useful, practical information and I think all rising leaders should read this book.

[Natalie Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good basic leadership info tailored for millennials and younger generations.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As boomers [finally] begin to leave the workforce, opening up leadership positions for the rest of us, many are discovering that old leadership models do not work for us. Millennials and Gen Z are bringing different values into the workforce, and though some industries are slower to adapt, it is increasingly clear that new ways to lead are needed, and we are flying without a net. An in-depth look into leadership and how to define it for the next generation of leaders.

I am not exaggerating when I say this is hands down the best leadership/how-to/self-help/whatever you want to categorize it as book that I have ever read. Initially influenced when Annie Wu Henry posted the book on her Instagram story, I flew to NetGalley to request a copy, but then stopped myself. I *knew* I needed to own this one, so I bought a copy instead. I opened it and started reading it the day it was delivered. This probably doesn't seem weird to you, but I have unopened packages in my living room that have been there for a month (clearly I needed them)...so it's a big deal.

Anyway, back to the book...

I am taking a leadership class right now so it is currently full of underlining, margin notes, and color-coded page flags. Here are some key takeaways:
- We are redefining professionalism and I love that for us.
- We are actively telling people to *stop working* and maintain healthy boundaries. We LOVE mental health and I love that for everyone.
- It is ok to have a community at work but it can't be your only community (I totally fail in this).
- It is essential to create a professional persona that directly reflects yourself...but isn't your whole self.
- Clarity is key in all things so know what your goals are and be aggressive about communication.

This is just a drop in the bucket of my notes/flags because I could talk or write about this book for hours. I have already recommended it to countless people and I am recommending it to you now. If you are in a leadership role, planning to take on a leadership role, or work with students in any capacity, buy this book right now. Normally I'd tell you to get it from the library, but they frown upon you writing in books and I barely made it two pages without notating something.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm getting to know Amanda through her political work so I was surprised (in a good way!) when I picked up her new book without much context and came to realize that it wasn't very political at all. Instead, this is more of a management book, even venturing into self help and personal growth, with a focus on younger people in entrepreneurial or leadership environments facing distinct generational challenges in the workplace, often relating to social media.

And it's good! It's a creative and reflective and very seriously researched piece of work that manages to be both thoughtful and actionable (also funny). Most books about management fall flat for me, here the book comes alive largely thanks to Amanda's personal anecdotes and rigorous self-examination.

I think about some things differently than she does and I'm always a little skeptical of this strict generational bucketing that people engage in (Millennial this, Gen Z that) but in general this was a great read.

[Lauren Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to during a few long runs since nonfiction/memoirs/etc helps the miles go by for me!

A helpful and interesting look at next gen leadership. Some parts really spoke to me—especially the bits about being in a passion job/mission-focused and entirely burning out (hello to my 2022 self broken out in hives from stress, finally pushing me to leave my all-encompassing nonprofit job!).

TLDR: clear advice and guidance, fun to listen to, and some good tidbits to consider as i/we move forward in our careers!

[Julie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best leadership book I’ve ever read. As an elder millennial who has found myself in a leadership role without a clear roadmap for how to do this in the strange world of 2025, I needed this book. I felt seen, encouraged, and like maybe, just maybe, the world is changing for the better (in some ways), and I can be someone that helps shape that for my team.

[Zeke Sandoval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cackling at all the reviews beginning with “As a Gen Xer…”. That’s right, Gen X, sit your jaded asses down and listen to us youths!
As a Zillennial, I’m truly not sure if this book is materially different from any other leadership book. I haven’t read many of them but they all tend to blend together, and I’m wary of any text that implies young people today are different than any generation before us - every generation says that! The lessons on transparency, accountability, and work-life balance feel timeless. That’s not a bad thing at all, although it conflicts with the book’s central thesis. Best case scenario, this easy-to-read handbook will be a useful reference point over time even if it didn’t rock my world at the moment. Worst case, I funded an organization I already know and love. So it’s a win-win.

[David Fredh · Rating 5 out of 5]

IIt's a great new book, offering a fresh take on leadership and management, especially for Gen Z and how leadership styles change. I've learned that what worked before doesn't always work now.

It's for four types of people: leaders who aren't Millennials or Gen Z (or anyone wanting a new perspective), those who aren't leaders yet but want a head start, and leaders outside of work.

My main takeaway is that work mentalities, worker identities, and approaches to identity are all shifting.

The book emphasizes being authentic but not overly revealing. And since the new generation is so social media savvy, it naturally leads to a "multi-persona" approach at work.

Finally, remote work changes the employee relationship; the author compares it to the relationship you have with your favorite podcasters – a really interesting perspective.

[desigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hahaha

[Lauren Maresca]

Pretty engaging for a "self help book"

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first leadership book I’ve found relatable

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to cross-generational leadership.

[Mark Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most leadership books suck and feel out of touch. This one is worth your time, especially if you’re under the age of 45. Grounded, relevant, and thoughtful. 💯

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good insights, really well organized, and helpful for brainstorming something that is just beginning in American culture.

[Doc Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! So relevant and on point! Loved the perspective and the HOPE for the future provided.

[Jeff Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ostensibly written for Millennials & Gen Z, but as a Gen Xer learning to lead in this new world, it’s absolutely for us too. When We’re in Charge by Amanda Litman will compel you to think differently about how you lead and that is high praise for any book in this category.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a millennial manager on a team of millennial/gen z staff, this book was not only accurate to my experience but an invaluable reminder of so many things I had to learn on the job. The tone is conversational and humorous, but the content is thought-provoking and forced me to intentionally consider my approach to management and how I show up for myself and my team at work. Highly recommend to anyone in our generation in a leadership role, especially if you want your workplace to not suck.

[Beth Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s not enough material for an entire book. A nice, long HBR article? Anyone who promotes paid family leave and flexible remote work has my attention, but that is a low bar.

[shivareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for being literally the only book i could find that gives practical insight and advice for next gen leaders. crooked media rarely lets me down

[Steve's Book Stuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amanda Litman is co-founder of the organization Run for Something, which “recruits and supports young, diverse progressives to run for down-ballot races in order to build sustainable power for Democrats in all 50 states” (to quote their webpage). The organization was founded the day of Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 and takes credit for helping 637 candidates successfully reach office since then. Litman had previously served as a staffer on Hilary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Born in 1990, Litman is squarely in the Millennial generation.

According to LinkedIn Run for Something has between 50 and 200 employees. Not a large organization to be sure, but one that has so far seen good success, and which appears to be ready to assist young progressive candidates for the long haul.

Given that background you’d be forgiven for thinking that Litman’s new book would lean into politics, but it does not. While she doesn’t shy away from her personal story and her background, the focus of the book is on helping young entrepreneurial leaders understand and deal with the challenges of leadership in the 21st century.

The book is divided into three parts. “You, the Leader” focuses on the book’s target audience. “Your Team” talks about how you as a leader should think about, interact with, and offer direction for your employees. Finally, “Your Life” dives into the things a leader needs to think of outside of work that can contribute to successful leadership.

Two main themes that emerge from the book are how to deal with social media, and the importance of promoting a healthy work-life balance in the work-from-home era.

It has been a while since I read and reviewed a business book, let alone a self-help book on leadership. I am not a young entrepreneurial leader. I am a retired former IT professional with many years in low and midlevel management, and I have my own ideas on how to lead and what makes for an effective leader in a business setting. I picked up this book because I’m curious about how someone at the start of their career would view both leadership challenges and what changes to the status quo they perceive as important to young leaders.

When We’re in Charge is a title that promises to answer those questions. Generally it does.

On the plus side, she tells a pretty strong story about recent changes in our society and has solid advice, based on her own experience, for what a leader has to consider in response to those changes — the increasing importance of social media, the rising lack of trust across American society, and the increasing prevalence of work-from-home since the pandemic among them.

On the minus side, Litman has an unfortunate tendency to set up straw men by make generic statements about what leadership looked like “in the past”. Given her age, it’s not surprising that many of those statements are stereotypical and limited. And they aren’t even necessary for advancing the points she is making.

Worse, by indulging in those stereotypes she gives short shrift to her immediate leadership predecessors. That includes me, an early Gen Xer, who spent years in leadership roles until rather recently. Along with peers across companies, we challenged many of the leadership styles and traditions she uses as rhetorical straw men and helped our organizations overcome them, thank you very much. And we didn’t always have it as easy as she imagines. Best to just skip over her “leaders in the past….” statements.

That quibble aside, the book is a quick and effective read. It’s not meant to be a complete guide to leadership. But it would make a worthwhile companion piece for young leaders alongside other tried and true leadership guides like Stephen R. Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, Bill George’s True North, or one of a dozen or so others you could find through a Google search of “best books on leadership development”.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and quotable, but misses the mark for people not in technology or politics.

I'm at the bleeding edge between Millennial and Xennial, so that may inform why I didn't love the book. I skipped the heavily gendered, just-for-women parts, because they weren't relevant to me (trans man) and I just couldn't read the section on four-day work weeks because I've never anyone suggest this who wasn't functionally dim, selfish, and low-skill.

There are good takeaways from the book. I read it as an ebook and highlighted quite a few things that resonated. The difference between real self vs full self. Being responsibly authentic. The chapter about transparency was very good, because this is a struggle because it is hard when people want to know everything...even when they can't have input into everything. The idea of creating a persona was less resonant for me, because I can't image doing that (trans) after being forced to pretend to be someone different for so many years of my life. I don't think I'd be able to keep it up for years at a time, but hey, mad props to people who have that skill.

The place where the author really shines is curating soundbites from Millennial and Gen Z leaders. The choices she made for anecdotes and quotes were excellent and make me wish I had a much better memory so that I could put some of them to use. This isn't really teaching leadership tho. This is sort of a trick, you know? But great for people who can put it to use! Again, mad props for that.

Would I recommend it as a read? Yes, and the younger the person, the more I would recommend it. Not because it's flawless - obviously fucking not - but because it introduces a lot of managing expectations around work. I think that would make it much easier for those of us at the very oldest end of the age spectrum to deal.

As a cautionary note, it really doesn't work for people in public sector jobs (education, government). It's more intended for people who work in politics - pre-election - and technology or the corporate world. It just doesn't translate as well to work where the "rules" are often codified differently, as in like law.

Overall, mostly a yes, but only for its intended audience.

[Katie Katieneedsabiggerbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that focuses on the good that Millennials and Gen Z can bring! Seriously, has there ever been anything that discusses leadership and doesn’t act like Millennials and Gen Z just “don’t want to work?” This book is different, and a must read if you ever want to step into a leadership position. If you already are in a leadership position? Great, start reading asap, it’s not too late to make your own, and your employees work lives better! This book covers so much of what we are asked to bring to our work environment as employees, and the pitfalls that leadership often falls into.

I saw Amanda Litman at a live @podsaveamerica event in June last summer, so when she messaged asking if I wanted a copy of her book I didn’t even hesitate for a second before shooting off my address! (As a side note: I had already purchased the @librofm copy for myself so I did a mix of reading and audio for this one!) I am so insanely impressed by the work she has done with @runforsomethingnow If you don’t know what that is, they help progressive leaders run for something! Whether it is Congress, City Council, District Judge, etc, run for something will help you decide what to run for, and how to get started, as well as every step of the way once you start. After seeing Amanda, I was contacted by my local Democratic group and decided to run for Judge of Elections. It’s a small role and not one I needed Run For Somethings help with, but it’s the first step in taking action, and I don’t know that I would have done it if I hadn’t been so inspired by Amanda last year. This is a book that I know I will come back to again and again throughout my career!

Thank you to @amandalitm for my gifted copy of this book!

[Thomas Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership by Amanda Litman is a breath of fresh air for anyone who's tired of outdated leadership advice. Litman, cofounder of Run for Something, speaks directly to millennials and Gen Zers who are stepping into power and wondering how to do it differently—and better.

What I loved most is how real and practical this book is. Litman doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of leadership, but she also doesn’t romanticize the hustle culture. Instead, she champions "responsible authenticity," sustainable work habits (hello, four-day workweek!), and the kind of empathy and boundaries that create healthier workplaces.

The book is full of insights from over 100 next-gen leaders and packed with tangible takeaways—from managing a public voice to setting realistic expectations and staying grounded. It’s smart, funny, and actually useful.

If you're someone who wants to lead with integrity, shake up the system, or just survive management without losing yourself, this book is for you. Highly recommend.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I have been waiting for, one that speaks to the unique vantage point of millennial leadership in a world of other generations unwilling to yield to the massive crush of new talent with different experiences. Millennials are on their 5th or 27th “once in a lifetime” events and we aren’t even that advanced in our careers or lives. This book spoke to some concerns I have had with my leadership journey and the cultures I have experience in corporate America. I originally borrowed this from my library system but it will be a book I buy and use as a reference manual. The books, authors, and influencers cited will be consumed next as I continue to grow in this space. It is easier knowing we are all doing this together as young and “non-traditional” leaders.

If you want to see the perspective of your millennial/gen z colleagues, bosses, employees I highly recommend to understand more some of our questions, frustrations, etc.