Did you know that Generation Z currently makes up 24% of the global workforce? In my recent blog on developing leaders for the next decade, I mentioned that the number of Gen Z employees in the US alone is set to triple by 2030, bringing a fresh perspective and unique set of attributes to the workplace. This led me to wonder, how then do we spot an emerging leader from the crowd? Today, let’s turn our attention to answering this important question.
Shared Values
Members of Generation Z (or Gen Z) have spent fewer years in the workforce than their more seasoned colleagues, and they have a unique outlook on employment. Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than those who came before. They are also extremely well-educated and highly skilled in all aspects of technology. When seeking a job, these young adults look to be sure their workplace is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB). In addition, they care about shared values, and they have a preference for employers that will provide stability and help to advance their careers.
A Lost Opportunity
According to a recent Adobe research study, Gen Z is the main driver of the Great Resignation. In fact, more than half of Gen Z respondents said they plan to pursue a new job in the next year, citing ageism, unfair wages and work conditions, and a lack of flexibility and work-life balance as contributing factors. Switching course is easier to do early in a career, and sadly, many of these resignations result in a lost opportunity to cultivate leadership in the next generation of employees. Therefore, learning to quickly spot an emerging leader is vital, as well as creating an environment conducive to recruiting and retaining Gen Z workers.
7 Shared Traits
In any employment situation, success goes beyond an ability to perform the given tasks required for the job. Emerging leaders can be identified by traits that may be easy to miss, so pay attention.
- They inspire and influence while others follow.
- They take initiative and demonstrate an ability to lead.
- They are innovative and bring fresh ideas to the table.
- They are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses.
- They are teachable, which shows a desire to grow and improve.
- They effectively listen and actively engage.
- They are empathetic and know how to get along with others.
Despite stereotypes, these quality characteristics are abundant in members of Generation Z and deserve to be cultivated. Through mentorship and training, and by providing leadership opportunities to young employees, we can help develop these innate abilities in our future workforce, as well as increase job satisfaction and retention.
The Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group team understands the vital importance of leadership development for Generation Z. We partner with corporations and universities to offer residency programming designed to accelerate results. We also provide group and individual coaching, online courses, and training through our Looking Forward Lab. To learn more, click here, or contact us today!
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.
