Gen Z leaders: A new perspective and new approach to leadership roles

A recent survey reveals that managing multiple generations poses a challenge for HR professionals and leaders. With Gen Z on the brink of surpassing millennials as the most populous generation, it's evident that their unique perspectives on careers and success are transforming the workplace. Shaped by their technology-driven upbringing, Gen Z leaders are tasked with bridging the generation gap to succeed in today's dynamic workforce.

The Unique Perspective of Gen Z:

Gen Z, distinct from their millennial counterparts, possesses a distinctive outlook on careers and how they define success in life and the professional world. Growing up in a technology-driven, fast-paced, and ever-evolving global landscape, Gen Z places significant importance on technology and a distinguished education when making career choices and defining their work styles. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between these varied working styles across multiple generations.

Insights from Deepnarayan Tripathi, Group Head HR at Tenon Group:

Deepnarayan Tripathi sheds light on the key attributes that Gen Z leaders typically exhibit and how they can harness these attributes to provide exceptional leadership to their team members and colleagues.

Key Attributes of Gen Z Leaders:

1. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Gen Z is characterized by their innovative and risk-taking nature, driven by a desire for creation. To succeed, they should focus on aligning their colleagues with their vision to avoid friction.

2. Education/Information vs. Experience: Gen Z possesses access to a vast amount of information but often lacks the experience that older generations bring to the table. It's crucial for them to respect and leverage the experience of their colleagues while introducing new information.

3. Adaptability and Learnability: Gen Z's aptitude for learning is high, but they must guide their colleagues in unlearning old methods and adopting new approaches.

4. Social Skills: Due to extensive screen time and the prevalence of nuclear families, Gen Z often lacks social skills. They should actively cultivate the habit of building strong interpersonal skills.

5. Fundamental Leadership Skills: Gen Z leaders must prioritize essential human relationship management skills, including empathy, respect, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, to excel in leading diverse teams.

The Potential of Gen Z Leaders:

With their innate characteristics, Gen Z has the potential to evolve into exceptional leaders. However, to realize this potential, they need to concentrate on leading their colleagues and teams effectively. Organizations must invest in training and supporting these emerging leaders to guide teams and businesses. With the right guidance and investment, Gen Z leaders are well-positioned to shape the future of the workforce.

In an ever-evolving professional landscape, the rise of Gen Z leaders heralds a new era of leadership, one that combines innovation, adaptability, and a strong commitment to bridging generational differences.