"Leadership Skills for Boomers to Zoomers"
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Generational Diversity: Leadership Skills
Inter-Generational Leadership Skills...
In 2017, while in the Caribbean, I met a young American leader who was 28 years old. He had cultivated a large following of Millennials in the Washington, D.C. area, and was known for throwing amazing flash parties for certain liquor brands. He was now consulting with corporate marketing departments on how to reach Millennials and Gen Z.
As we talked, I shared some of my corporate leadership experiences, and he asked me some questions. He wanted my opinion on why he hadn’t been able to keep a corporate job or obtain promotions into leadership.
He asked, “Why wouldn’t leaders at my normal job listen to me, I got so frustrated with them, I ended up quitting."
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This talented young man thought that he was already a leader, but he had no idea how to be a team member much less a team leader. When I asked him about taking some leadership classes he scoffed and said, "I am a leader, I don't need to learn how to lead." Because he refused to be mentored and grow he will never progress past his current state. Eventually what he has achieved will fade away. He became a dead leader walking. Don't let this happen to you or your emerging leaders.
Leading Millennials & Zoomers
One fascinating truth about younger generations is that they perform better when led by modern leadership models. As individuals and in workgroups their effectiveness increases when led by positive supportive leadership styles. They also have fewer ethical workplace violations. This is likely because they are more socially aware than the older generations. Some Millennials have even stated that they place their followers and direct reports well-being above organizational goals. No matter what ideological category Millennials fall into, they are more likely to be...Read More:
Becoming an Effective Multi-Generational Leader
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Leaders can either empower teams and organizations or destroy them. Positive leadership skills fuel the engines of innovation and growth. Negative fear-based, micromanagement throttles creativity and chokes out team power.
One of the most important ideas in leadership development is the concept of “Use of Self.” The idea is that you are an indispensable tool in your leadership toolbox. Developing yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually is a crucial step in becoming a great leader... Read More.
Positive People Management Builds High Performers
Ask yourself these questions:
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How does it make you feel to be treated as an object from which someone else makes a profit, i.e., produces capital?
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How does it feel to have your human needs ignored in the workplace?
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Is using money and punishment as motivators, the best way to motivate you?
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How does not being able to overcome or solve discrimination issues such as the gender wage gap and other inequalities affect your attitude and commitment to your employer?
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How do you feel when the workplace discourages you from sharing ideas, suggesting change, and taking on innovative challenges?
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Now compare your answers to the following top six reasons high-performers leave...Read More:
There is Power in Mentoring Emerging Leaders
Many members of the older generations believe in Meritocracy, which is the distribution of wealth, resources, and responsibility according to merit (worthy of the reward by earning it), and not need. However, many members of the younger generations believe in Equal Distribution (i.e., rewards should be equally distributed). Even if some bring more value to teamwork, they still see the outcome as a group effort. These two very different workplace and political viewpoints are causing significant generational conflicts in the workplace. Mentoring programs can help bridge this gap by...Read More:
