Gen Z is the future of work, expected to dominate the workforce by 2030. But truth be told, the rise of young bosses is already happening, and they’re already in charge. There are over 6,000 Gen Z CEOs in the U.S. already, and 38% of the younger generation are aiming for leadership roles (more than any other group). Plus, Google searches for “how to be a young bоss” are up 72% in recent months. If you’re a first-time boss, here are expert leadership tips on how you can manage teams, earn respect and avоid first-time pitfalls.
First-Time Boss: Gen Z Is Taking The Corner Office
Caitlin Collins, organizational psychologist and program strategy director at Betterworks, declares that well-being comes first for this generation. She told me that Gen Z is willing to sacrifice a lot to protect their mental health at work–from lower salaries to forfeiting leadership positions.
It’s impressive how Gen Z is re-writing the rules of the workplace in 2025, updating and modernizing how work gets done. And they deserve credit for bringing flexibility and work-life balance to the forefront, an important mental health advantage that I’ve written about for years. Plus, they have popularized micro-shifts, micro-retirement and reverse mentoring where they’re coaching older employees.
Yet, they have been vilified as lazy, unprofessional and hard to manage. Collins explains why they haven’t been given their due and their contributions have been interpreted as opposition to the current state of the workplace.
“The hustle-and-grind narrative that defined startup culture doesn’t resonate with Gen Z,” Collins explains. “They’re still builders, but they want to innovate from places of sustainability, not exhaustion. They’re showing us that performance and well-being are not at odds; they’re interdependent.”
Four Leadership Tips For A Young, First-Time Boss
Referring to Gen Z, Collins says this generation is 1.7 times more likely to avoid traditional leadership roles, and she argues that it’s not from fear but intentionality. “Gen Z wants impact without sacrificing their mental health, and they’re challenging outdated systems that equate long hours with loyalty.”
While the focus on mental health is a breath of fresh air, Avery Morgan, CHRO at EduBirdie, underscores four standard tried-and-true strategies that young bosses also need to lead with confidence–even if you’re in your 20s:
1. Share The Responsibility, Not Tasks
“According to the American Society of Training and Development, 70% of managers struggle with delegation,” Morgan points out. “It’s especially hard early on, as fear of losing control or quality gets in the way. However, this skill is key to leadership. Teams that feel trusted are 36% more likely to take ownership of results, and companies that empower employees see 26% more prоfit per head.”
Morgan suggests that you start small and find a minor but impactful task to delegate each week, like which metric to feature in the next report. If it seems impossible, she recommends that you imagine there’s an emergency, and ask yourself, “What would you hand оff, and to whom?” Morgan’s point is that, instead of just assigning tasks, you give your team the authority to make decisions and be clear about expected outcomes, not just the job to be done.
2. Let Uncomfortable Talks Thrive
Morgan emphasizes that you don’t avоid tough conversations. “Poor communication causes one-third of projects to fail,” she says. “Meanwhile, teams that communicate well hit 80% of their goals on time and on budget.”
It’s important to spot miscommunication early, so you must look out for repeat questions, recurring mistakes, mismatched expectations and passive or vague responses,” she advises. “If someone says, ‘Yeah, аll good,’ but you’re not sure, ask them to recap the next steps. Add a weekly 15-minute ‘challenge check-in’ meeting to your calendar–no formal agenda, just a safe space where the team can talk about their concerns and identify problems early. And don’t try to fix everything immеdiately. Listen, take notes and follow up later.”
3. Embrace Quiet Leadership
“Grеat leaders are often seen as confident, extroverted and commanding,” Morgan notes. “And while Gen Z rejects toxic workplace culture, the ‘tough bоss’ stereotype still sticks around, making it feel like chill = weak. Spoiler: it doesn’t.”
So, how can you strike the right balance? For starters, Morgan advises that you don’t try to overcompensate for your insecurities by mimicking what she calls the “bоss from the book.” Instead, she stresses that you embrace your authentic self and lead by example, not ego. “Encourage your team to reflect before reacting. Teams led by leaders who prioritize reflection over rushed discussions are 28% more productive. Quiet leadership isn’t passive, but powerful.”
4. Learn To Ask For Advice
Morgan points out that Gen Z often gets labeled as “bad at taking feedback.” But she insists the good news is that top performers don’t just ask for feedback, they ask for advice. She cites a study by Harvard researchers, who found that when people are asked to give advice (instead of feedback), they offer 34% more areas for improvement and 56% more actionable suggestions.
“Embrace not having аll the answers,” she suggests. “It doesn’t hurt your authority—it boosts your judgment and opens you up to fresh perspectives. Find mentors, advisors or business coaches who can challenge your thinking. And don’t overlook your team—asking for their input builds trust, shows respect and creates a culture where people care deeply about the work.”
A Final Takeaway For A Young, First-Time Boss
We often hear people say that good first-time bosses are hard to find, and that may be true, especially when it comes to employee mental health. One of the biggest criticisms of seasoned managers is that they have put the organization and profit before employee wellness.
Gen Z is changing the workplace by putting their mental health at the forefront. These young, first-time bosses already possess the top qualities of a great manager: the desire to create “employee-centric” workplace cultures where employee flexibility and work-life balance are top priorities. As a first-time boss, when you prioritize employee mental health and lead with confidence, openness to feedback, clear communication and strong personal connections with employees, age doesn’t have to be as big a factor in your leadership abilities.