As we continue into the new decade, the emerging leaders of Generation Z will make up a large portion of the U.S. workforce. In fact, their numbers are projected to grow to over 51 million by 2030. As they enter the workforce, it is exciting to welcome the unique attributes they bring to the table, including a greater grasp on technology. In addition, many of these young professionals expect businesses to have a socially responsible outlook with a clear mandate on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
Defining A Generation
A recent study by Pew Research found that Generation Z, consisting of those born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation. As digital natives, they have no knowledge of life before the internet, social media, and smartphones. They are also on course to be the most well-educated generation to date. And, according to Forbes, Gen Z is bringing a fresh perspective to the world of work. For many of these emerging leaders, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging are key, and they expect their place of employment to be respectful, inclusive, and align with their values. Direct communication, strong connections, financial security, flexibility, and transparency are also paramount.
Focusing On Emerging Leaders
In generations past, working a part-time job while attending secondary school was the norm, and having a college degree was not a required path to success. Today, there is a greater emphasis on grade point averages, class rank, and scholarly achievements that impress admissions officers, often turning school into a full-time job. This leaves Gen Z with the distinction of being the first generation to come to the workforce with little to no work experience. Thankfully, it also creates an opportunity for us to find alternative approaches in helping those on the cusp of entering the workforce develop the leadership skills required to operate in an increasingly complex global world. Coaching, online courses, and entrepreneurial training via fellowships, such as those offered by the Looking Forward Lab, are focused on finding innovative and interactive ways to assist Generation Z in preparing to step into its leadership role, while also providing support for the managers handling the hiring, early training, and performance reviews.
The Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group team understands the vital importance of leadership development for Generation Z. We partner with varied institutions with a particular emphasis on long-term collaborations with corporations and universities to offer residency programming designed to accelerate results. To learn more about Looking Forward Lab and other services offered, click here, or contact us today to discuss how a partnership could work for you!
Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC is a certified National Supplier Development Council Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Administration (SBA) Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC) woman-owned company. The company is comprised of a suite of brands, including TDB Group Strategic Advisory, a management consulting firm, as well as Looking Forward Lab, which offers a full-service learning engagement model focused on Gen Z workplace development and support for their managers.
