Hi Reader, "Six months ago, I was ready to quit managing. My Gen Z employees were driving me crazy. Today, they're my highest performers and I'm known as the manager everyone wants to work for." This transformation came from Sarah, a director who attended my Gen Z management workshop in April. Her secret? She stopped trying to make Gen Z employees fit her management style and started adapting her style to unlock their potential. The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything Old Thinking: "Gen Z...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, "We invested $50,000 in a leadership development program, but none of our Gen Z high-performers applied." This came from a frustrated VP of People who couldn't understand why their emerging talent wasn't interested in leadership opportunities. When I reviewed their program, the problem was obvious... The Leadership Development That Nobody Wants Their program included: 18-month management track Traditional supervisory skills training Formal mentorship with senior executives Focus on...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, "Should I be worried that AI will replace my Gen Z employees?" This question came from a concerned CEO last week. My response surprised him: "You should be worried that your Gen Z employees won't know how to work WITH AI." The Real AI Threat AI isn't going to replace Gen Z workers. But Gen Z workers who can't leverage AI will be replaced by Gen Z workers who can. The companies preparing their employees for this reality will have a massive competitive advantage. Where Most Managers...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, "We have an employee recognition program, but our Gen Z employees don't seem motivated by it." This came from an HR director whose company spent thousands on recognition initiatives that weren't working. Their program included: Employee of the month awards Years of service celebrations Company-wide achievement announcements Gift cards and branded merchandise All the traditional stuff. None of it resonating. The Recognition Revolution Here's what I've learned from studying Gen Z...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Last week, a manager told me: "I can tell my Gen Z employees hate our team meetings. They're polite, but they're clearly checked out." When I asked about the meeting structure, here's what I heard: Weekly 60-minute team standup Round-robin status updates Manager announcements "Any questions?" (crickets) No wonder they're checked out. The Traditional Meeting Formula That Fails Most team meetings follow this pattern: What did you do last week? What are you doing this week? Any...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, "My Gen Z employee never responds to emails promptly. I have to follow up multiple times. It's unprofessional." I hear this complaint weekly from frustrated managers. But here's what I discovered when I dug deeper: The employee was responding – just not via email. The Communication Breakdown Manager's preferred channels: Email (formal communication) Phone calls (urgent matters) In-person meetings (important discussions) Gen Z's preferred channels: Instant messaging (quick...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, A Fortune 500 executive recently confided in me: "We offered our best Gen Z employee a promotion – team lead, more money, clear advancement. She turned it down flat." His confusion was palpable. "Don't they want to move up?" Here's the thing: Gen Z absolutely wants to advance. They just don't want YOUR version of advancement. The Career Ladder Is Dead Traditional career progression: Entry level → Senior level → Manager → Director → VP Gen Z career progression: Skills-based growth →...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, "I think my Gen Z employee is quiet quitting. She's always talking about her 'side projects' and seems distracted." This came from a concerned manager during a recent workshop. So I asked him: "Have you asked her about these projects?" His response: "I don't want to pry into her personal life." Here's the problem with that thinking... The Side Hustle Misconception Most managers hear "side hustle" and think: Disloyalty Divided attention Lack of commitment Planning to quit But here's...
3 months ago • 2 min read
HI Reader, I was consulting with a tech startup last month when the CEO said something that stopped me in my tracks: "We offered our top Gen Z performer a $10,000 raise to stay. She turned it down and took a job that paid $5,000 less." His conclusion? "Gen Z doesn't understand money." My conclusion? He doesn't understand Gen Z. The Perk That's Worth More Than Money What did that other company offer that was worth a $15,000 swing? Career development conversations. Real ones. Not annual...
3 months ago • 2 min read