The workplace is witnessing a significant shift, with millennials and Generation Z increasingly stepping into leadership roles. Millennials, individuals born between 1981 and 1996, grew up during pivotal technological changes, shaping their flexible and tech-savvy approach to work. Gen Z, born from 1997 to 2012, enters the workforce as digital natives, bringing unparalleled tech fluency and fresh perspectives. These generations are already shaping today’s leadership landscape with their unique blend of resilience, innovation, and commitment to meaningful causes.
According to Training magazine and Wilson Learning Worldwide Inc.’s Annual Leadership Development Survey 2023 of 2200 learning and development professionals, there is a shift in who leads successful organizations. In “high-performing organizations,” Generation Z and millennial leaders now outnumber Generation X and baby boom leaders.
With the mantle of leadership increasingly passed to these generations, the question arises: are they equipped with the necessary leadership skills to succeed?
So, what can you do to prepare get ahead?
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a vital set of skills for aspiring millennial and Gen Z leaders. Understanding and managing your emotions and empathizing with others is necessary for excellent interpersonal relationships. When a leader has high EI, it leads to improved team communication, conflict resolution, and a more empathetic work environment.
Aspiring leaders should focus on developing self-awareness to recognize your emotional triggers and reactions, as well as strengths and challenges. Developing and practicing self-management skills is essential to maintain your composure and adaptability in challenging situations.
It’s crucial to also enhance your social awareness and relationship management skills. This means actively listening to others, understanding team dynamics, and effectively managing interpersonal relationships. Engaging in EI-focused training or coaching can further fine-tune your skills.
Mentors can be a crucial factor in your leadership success. Not only can they offer insights into your industry and skill-based advice as to how to get ahead, but they can also boost your confidence and help you seek opportunities to grow. They can share connections, help you network, and give you the tools you need to take the next giant leap.
Mentors can help bridge the gap between those looking for more formal personal development training, which is desperately needed. Research shows that millennial and Gen Z employees who have a mentor are 21-23% more likely to be satisfied with their current job than those without a mentor, according to the 2019 CNBC/SurveyMonkey Workplace Happiness Survey. The benefit comes from creating a solid relationship where the mentor is not only committed to helping you develop but understands the nature of the industry you work in and can help direct you toward opportunities that may benefit you.
Mentors can help emerging leaders navigate complex workplace challenges, offering insights drawn from their experiences, which can significantly shorten the learning curve. Seek a mentor you admire, one you think you’ll get along well with, as these produce the most positive results.
To help you get ahead as an emerging leader, an excellent skill to develop is accepting that failure happens. Things go wrong. Leaders make mistakes. Encourage yourself to ask, “What can be learned?” and “How can I improve?” This mindset turns every setback into a setup for future success.
When faced with setbacks or challenges, view them as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, seek feedback from colleagues, and devise an action plan for improvement. Accepting feedback is a vital part of this process. It requires humility and openness to understand that you don’t have all the answers and that others can provide valuable perspectives. Welcome both positive and constructive feedback –it is a gift that helps sharpen your skills and refine your leadership style.
This cycle of experiencing, reflecting, and adjusting is fundamental to your leadership growth.
Aspiring leaders must recognize the value of stepping out of their comfort zones and facing new challenges head-on. It’s in unfamiliar territory where the most significant personal and professional growth occurs. By deliberately putting yourself in situations that test your abilities and push your boundaries, you expand your skill set and build resilience and confidence. This might mean taking the lead on a project that feels a bit beyond your current capabilities, or it could involve championing a new initiative within your organization. The key is to move beyond the familiar and comfortable and into growth and possibility.
Taking risks and volunteering for challenging tasks indicate a leader’s willingness to grow. Such actions speak louder than words, showcasing your readiness to take responsibility and face the unknown. This proactive approach is about more than personal development; it signals to others your commitment to leadership and your potential as a forward-thinking innovator.
Aspiring leaders often fall prey to the myth that success necessitates sacrifice, equating long hours and poor work-life balance with dedication and achievement.
Effective leaders understand that long hours and poor work-life balance are not sustainable. Instead, they focus on maintaining energy, passion, and productivity through regular self-care practices. They integrate habits that nurture their mental and physical well-being, knowing that a well-rested state fuels creativity and endurance.
Emerging leaders should prioritize self-care early in their careers. Set boundaries, recognize signs of overexertion, and engage in activities that rejuvenate your spirit. Remember, your leadership effectiveness is directly linked to your well-being. Commit to caring for yourself to ensure resilience and sustained success in your leadership journey.
For an aspiring leader, each step taken towards building your leadership skills is a step towards becoming the kind of leader who doesn’t just manage or maintain but inspires and transforms.