As you look to the future of your company, you may be wondering how to lead the generation of employees entering the workforce. Recently I read “The State of Gen Z 2023” which The Center for Generational Kinetics provides.¹

In this post I’m going to highlight some of their findings and how we can lead effectively not only to encourage engagement by Gen Z, but others as well.

Equality

According to their research 52% of females and 46% of males say a leader is fair if they are treating everyone equally.  How do we do this as leaders?  People are different so we will have to resource them differently to be successful, but we can be equal by holding everyone to the same standard.

For example, a Gen Z employee may need more training than a more experienced Millenial which is equitable.  Are both provided the same standard of how to advance?  That is equality.  Whether Gen Z or anyone in the workplace do they all at least start with equal access to opportunity even if some of those opportunities don’t come until after a certain period of time for all team members.

Consistent and Caring

Their research showed that 36% of Gen Z say consistency by leadership brings out the best in them and caring was close behind at 32%.  Some generations show up to work and do the work and are not as concerned about their leader caring about them, but this generation is different.

As a leader take time to understand more than just how your employees are performing, but get to know them as people.  This is what leadership expert John Maxwell refers to as permission based leadership or level 2 leadership.²  Regardless of generation, caring will only strengthen your credibility with those you lead.

Compound caring with consistency in how you show up and having equal standards for everyone that you follow through on and your credibility will increase tremendously.

Recognition

This one is hard for me to swallow because I see the value, but do not need this personally.  Falling just below performance bonuses and paid time off 36% – 38% of Gen Z employees value recognition during a daily huddle or meeting.  This is a small change that can provide tremendous return.

As a leader take the time to recognize not only performance, but also character results from team members.  This will not only help a Gen Z employee feel valued, but it will help create a more positive culture for the entire organization.

One important note.  Be sure the recognition is genuine and specific.  When it is general and inauthentic people will end up feeling devalued and you will unintentionally create a toxic culture.

Which of these areas do you need to focus on this next week with your team?  Take time today to determine one change you can make to not only engage your Gen Z team members, but improve the culture for your entire organization or team.  Want to see how you are doing in your leadership?  Check out this leadership assessment to help you determine how you are doing in four areas of your leadership.  Lead Well.

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1. https://genhq.com/the-generations-hub/state-of-gen-z/ downloadable article “The State of Gen Z” retrieved 5/1/24
2. Maxwell, John. The 5 Levels of Leadership.  New York: Hachette Book Group, 2011.