When I took on my first management role at LT, a full-service marketing agency here in the Valley, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. With years of experience (and Millennial confidence), I was excited about my ability to lead teams and drive results. Then came Gen Z, and suddenly, I was back in learning mode.
It started with communication. I'd send out carefully crafted emails, only to receive minimal responses. Instead, my Gen Z team members were firing off ideas on Slack, sharing inspiration via Instagram DMs, and collaborating through impromptu meetings. At first, it felt chaotic. But as I leaned into their preferred channels, I noticed something remarkable: our communication became more dynamic, more real-time, and, ultimately, more effective.
This was my first lesson: different doesn't mean wrong. It's a lesson I believe every leader navigating a multi-generational workplace needs to embrace.
As I adjusted to these new communication styles, I began to see the unique value Gen Z brings. Their digital fluency and innate understanding of emerging platforms have revolutionized our approach to work. They've pushed us to be more authentic in our messaging and more conscious of our social impact. I increasingly turned to them in team meetings for insights on digital trends and consumer behavior.
But here's the thing: this isn't just about Gen Z. Every generation enters the workforce with fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo. The difference now is that the pace of change has accelerated, making these generational shifts more visible and impactful.
This realization led me to my second big lesson: being open to learning should grow, not diminish, over time. I've seen too many seasoned professionals dismiss new ideas simply because they come from younger team members. In doing so, they miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Our agency has embraced this principle by allowing everyone to sit at the table and encouraging cross-generational insight-sharing to drive the work to new heights. The results have been transformative, fostering mutual respect and understanding across age groups.
Perhaps the most significant change I've seen is in our approach to feedback. Gen Z craves regular input on their performance, viewing feedback as a gift essential for growth. Initially, this felt overwhelming. However, I noticed improved performance and satisfaction across all generations as we implemented more frequent check-ins and informal feedback.
Leaders, note that the desire for growth and improvement isn't generational – it's human.
As you navigate your own multi-generational workplace, remember this: each generation brings unique strengths. Our job as leaders is to create an environment where these strengths can shine while fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Yes, it can be challenging. There will be moments of friction and misunderstanding. But embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. Be open to new ideas, facilitate cross-generational dialogue, and recognize that diversity – including generational diversity – is a powerful driver of innovation and success.
Ultimately, the multi-generational workplace is about more than just adapting to change. It's about harnessing the collective power of diverse perspectives to drive your organization forward. And that's an exciting prospect for any leader ready to embrace the future of work.
