Déjà Vu? We’ve Been Here Before.
When Gen X entered the workforce, everyone panicked. They were independent, skeptical, and allergic to micromanagement. But through coaching, mentoring, and leadership, they became powerhouses, shaping today’s work culture with innovation, resilience, and adaptability.
Fast forward a few decades: Gen Z has arrived, and here we go again. They are not playing!!!
They’re questioning norms, challenging authority, and redefining success. The difference? They grew up in a digital-first, hyper-connected world, and they expect the workplace to reflect that.
So, how do we coach, mentor, and manage Gen Z to build a thriving, engaged workforce?
Sorry but not sorry, we are going to have to go back to basics, because the same coaching strategies that worked for Gen X still apply, now with just with a modern twist.
1. Coaching Gen Z: Less Bossing, More Guiding
Gen Z doesn’t respond to traditional top-down leadership. They want collaboration, transparency, and real-time feedback, not orders barked at them from a corner office.
What Worked for Gen X: Giving them autonomy and trusting them to figure things out.
What Works for Gen Z: Coaching them through challenges instead of dictating solutions.
Action Step: Shift from command-and-control to coach-and-mentor. Instead of saying, “Here’s how it’s done,” ask “How do you think we should approach this?”
2. Mentoring Gen Z: Build Relationships, Not Just Roles
Gen X thrived when mentors stepped in to guide them, not just manage them. Gen Z is no different, they want leaders who invest in their growth and actually care about their career trajectory.
What Worked for Gen X: Strong mentorship programs that helped them navigate career paths.
What Works for Gen Z: Personalized mentorship that aligns with their values, passions, and career goals.
Action Step: Pair Gen Z employees with experienced mentors who can help them develop skills, build confidence, and navigate workplace dynamics.
Let’s be real: They’re not sticking around for “just a paycheck.” If they don’t feel valued, they’re on the first train out of dodge!
3. Managing Gen Z: Flexibility Is the New Currency
Gen X pushed back against rigid work structures, and Gen Z is doing the same, but even harder. They prioritize mental health, work-life balance, and purpose-driven careers over traditional corporate ladders.
What Worked for Gen X: Giving them freedom to work independently and challenge outdated systems.
What Works for Gen Z: Offering flexible schedules, remote work options, and meaningful projects.
Action Step: Adapt management styles to focus on outcomes, not hours. If they can deliver results, does it really matter if they work from a coffee shop or a home office?
Question: Are your company’s policies keeping up with the flexibility Gen Z demands? Or are they stuck in 1995?
4. Communication with Gen Z: Keep It Real & Keep It Short
Gen X hated corporate jargon, and Gen Z hates long-winded emails. They prefer direct, authentic, and concise communication.
What Worked for Gen X: Straightforward, no-nonsense conversations. What Works for Gen Z: Quick, clear, and engaging communication, think Slack, voice notes, and interactive meetings.
Action Step: Ditch the fluff. Instead of a five-paragraph email, send a bullet-point summary or a quick voice message.
Pro Tip: If your emails start with “Hope this finds you well”, Gen Z has already deleted them. (I promise you they did)
5. Feedback for Gen Z: Make It Instant & Actionable
Gen X wanted constructive feedback, but they were fine with annual reviews. Gen Z? Not so much. They expect real-time feedback so they can adjust, improve, and grow.
What Worked for Gen X: Scheduled performance reviews with structured feedback.
What Works for Gen Z: Frequent, informal check-ins with actionable insights.
Action Step: Instead of waiting for quarterly reviews, give quick feedback in the moment, whether it’s a check in message, a casual chat, or a voice memo.
Question: How often are your managers giving feedback? If it’s only during annual reviews, it’s time for a major overhaul and start thinking quarterly or even monthly.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Work Starts with Coaching Gen Z
Gen X reshaped the workplace, and now it’s Gen Z’s turn. The key to building a strong work culture isn’t forcing them to fit into old systems, it’s guiding them to thrive in new ones.
CTA:
Are you mentoring Gen Z effectively? If not, start by building relationships, not just roles.
Is your management style outdated? If so, shift to flexibility, collaboration, and real-time feedback.
Are you communicating in a way that resonates? If you are not sure, then keep it clear, concise, and engaging.
Let’s coach, mentor, and manage Gen Z the way we did with Gen X—but smarter, faster, and with a modern twist.
Question: What’s been your biggest challenge in leading Gen Z?
Connect with DaBoss Consultants Inc today, if you are looking for more insights, employment coaching or training: info@dabossconsultants.ca or (289) 409-8344.
