A Refreshed Perspective on Forging the Future: Gen Z's Blueprint for Successful Leadership
Navigating Leadership as a Novice: 4 Pieces of Advice for Leading Effectively
Gen Z, the future titans of industry, are already making waves in the corporate landscape, taking on leadership roles and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. In fact, the number of Gen Z CEOs in the US is rapidly growing, with more than 6,000 already at the helm, and an impressive 38% of this group aiming for leadership positions (that's higher than any other demographic). Plus, Google searches for "how to be a young boss" have soared by an impressive 72% in recent months [1][3]. If you're new to the bossing game, here's expert-backed advice on how to guide your team, gain respect, and sidestep rookie missteps.
Emerging Young Leaders: Gen Z Steps into the Corner Office
Organizational psychologist and program strategy director at Betterworks, Caitlin Collins, shares insight on what makes Gen Z a force to be reckoned with. She explains that well-being is a top priority for this generation, as they're prepared to make significant sacrifices (some may choose lower salaries or even relinquish leadership positions) to protect their mental health at work [1][3].
This generation is eagerly redefining the script of the modern workplace, making flexibility, work-life balance, and mental health cornerstones of their professional ethos. Some of their noteworthy contributions include popularizing micro-shifts, micro-retirement, and reverse mentoring, where Gen Z members are schooling older employees [3]. However, Gen Z has faced criticism for being lazy, unprofessional, and difficult to manage. Collins offers a profound explanation, discussing how Gen Z's rejection of the "hustle-and-grind" culture doesn't stem from fear but is instead driven by an intentional desire to be impactful without compromising their mental health or embracing outdated systems that equate long hours with loyalty [3].
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Four Leadership Tips to Empower New Gen Z Bosses
Getting comfortable with taking charge can be a tall order, but Collins argues that Gen Z bosses are not avoiding traditional leadership roles out of fear; instead, they're pursuing impact without sacrificing their mental health and challenging outdated systems that equate marathon workdays with loyalty [3].
Avery Morgan, CHRO at EduBirdie, offers four time-tested strategies to help new bosses lead with confidence, even if they're just starting out:
1. Empower Shared Responsibility, Not Task Division
"Many managers find it challenging to delegate, fearing they will lose control or compromise quality," Morgan explains. However, delegation is a crucial skill in leadership. By empowering teams to take ownership of results, companies can see a 26% boost in per-head profits [2]. Start by delegating a small but impactful task each week, like choosing the key metric for the upcoming report. Imagine there's an emergency, Morgan suggests, and ask yourself, "What would I hand off, and to whom?" [2]'s point isn't just about assigning tasks; it's about giving your team the authority to make decisions and outlining expected outcomes.
2. Promote Honest Dialogue Over Silence
Difficult conversations can be daunting, but Morgan insists they shouldn't be avoided. "Poor communication is responsible for one-third of project failures," she points out. Help spot miscommunications early by looking for repeat questions, recurring mistakes, mismatched expectations, and passive or vague answers. Set up a weekly "challenge check-in" meeting to discuss concerns and identify problems early. Don't feel obligated to fix every issue immediately; instead, listen empathetically and address concerns later.
3. Adopt Thoughtful Leadership, Not Pretentious One
Active, reflective leadership is the key to authentic, successful leadership. Despite common stereotypes, quiet leadership is powerful, as it allows teams to think before acting and fosters a strong, connected work environment. Avoid mimicking what Morgan calls the "boss from the book;" instead, tap into your authentic leadership style, focusing on humility and openness [1][4].
4. Embrace Constructive Feedback
Unlike the misconception that Gen Z is resistant to feedback, top performers don't just ask for feedback; they seek advice. Harvard researchers found that those asking for advice (rather than just feedback) receive 34% more helpful suggestions [4]. Cultivate a culture that values constructive input, ask your team for their feedback, and seek out mentors and advisors when you need additional guidance.
Final Thoughts for New Gen Z Bosses
Conventional wisdom often paints first-time bosses, particularly from Gen Z, as hard to find and difficult to please, especially when it comes to employee mental health. Gen Z is proving that's simply no longer true. These first-time bosses already possess the essential qualities of a skilled leader: a strong desire to cultivate employee-focused organizational cultures, a commitment to flexibility and work-life balance, and a knack for effective communication and support. When you prioritize employee wellness and lead with confidence, openness to feedback, clear communication, and genuine connections with your team, age doesn't matter.
[1] ajc.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/some-gen-z-workers-will-leave-jobs-to-protect-their-mental-health/z0U3jOrQ3QioGOVHv6KZjN/
[2] trainingmagazine.com/management-and-leadership/how-to/70-percent-of-managers-struggle-with-delegation-how-to-improve/
[3] hbr.org/2021/06/how-gen-z-is-changing-the-future-of-work
[4] hbr.org/2020/04/the-one-question-that-makes-every-meeting-productive
- Gen Z, with their focus on mental health and work-life balance, are advocating for changes in the corporate landscape, influencing the modern workplace and its core values.
- Gen Z has shown a keen interest in fashion-and-beauty products, reflecting in their shopping habits and personal styles, just as they have in food-and-drink trends.
- Some Gen Zers prioritize lifestyle choices over high-paying careers, choosing home-and-garden projects, travel opportunities, or caring for pets over traditional career paths.
- For Gen Z bosses, career-development courses, books on personal-growth, and education-and-self-development materials are common resources to aid them in becoming effective leaders.
- Relationships between Gen Z leaders and their team members often depend on open communication, honest dialogue, and the promotion of a positive, employee-focused organizational culture.
- As Gen Z continues to take on leadership roles, their unique approaches to work and mentorship may contribute to the shifting trends in lifestyle, fashion, relationships, and career choices within their teams.
