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 Get It Wrong

Many leaders think AI preparation means:

• Restricting AI tool usage
• Focusing on "human-only" skills
• Ignoring AI developments
• Treating AI as a threat to control

But Gen Z employees are already using AI tools – with or without your permission.

The Underground AI Revolution

Recent surveys show that 78% of Gen Z employees are using AI tools at work, but only 34% have discussed AI usage with their managers.

They're using AI for:

• Writing first drafts of emails and documents
• Research and data analysis
• Creative brainstorming and idea generation
• Code writing and debugging
• Process optimization

The Opportunity Hidden in Plain Sight

Instead of fighting this trend, smart managers are channeling it.

They're helping their Gen Z teams become AI-powered super-workers instead of AI-threatened employees.

The Skills That Matter Most

Based on my research with Fortune 500 companies, here are the AI-adjacent skills Gen Z needs to develop:

1. Prompt Engineering The ability to communicate effectively with AI tools to get optimal results.

2. AI Output Evaluation Knowing how to assess, edit, and improve AI-generated content.

3. Human-AI Workflow Design Understanding where humans add unique value in AI-assisted processes.

4. Ethical AI Usage Making responsible decisions about when and how to use AI tools.

5. AI Tool Integration​
Seamlessly incorporating AI capabilities into existing workflows.

The Training Framework That Works

Here's how progressive companies are preparing their Gen Z teams:

Week 1: AI Literacy Understanding what AI can and can't do well

Week 2: Tool Exploration Hands-on experience with relevant AI platforms

Week 3: Workflow Integration Identifying where AI can enhance current responsibilities

Week 4: Quality Standards Establishing guidelines for AI-assisted work

Your AI Readiness Audit

Ask your Gen Z team members:

1. What AI tools are you already using?
2. What tasks take you the longest that AI might help with?
3. What would you like to learn about AI applications?
4. Where do you see AI making the biggest impact in our industry?

The Conversation Starter

Try this approach: "I know AI is changing how we work. Instead of pretending it's not happening, let's figure out how to use it strategically. What AI tools have you experimented with?"

The Competitive Advantage

Companies that embrace AI training for Gen Z employees will:

• Attract top talent (Gen Z wants to work with cutting-edge tools)
• Increase productivity (AI-assisted workflows are faster)
• Improve innovation (AI can enhance creative processes)
• Future-proof their workforce (AI skills become table stakes)

Your Action Step

This week, have an AI conversation with one Gen Z team member. Focus on exploration, not restriction. Ask what they're curious about and how AI might enhance their work.

Next Week's Focus

I'm revealing the career development strategy that prepares Gen Z employees for leadership roles they'll actually want.

Keep innovating,

Dr. Colleen

P.S. The Gen Z Management Survival Guide launches next week! I'm offering early access to newsletter subscribers who are ready to transform their leadership approach with proven, practical frameworks.

​