How to Build a Leadership Pipeline Full of Millennial and Gen Z Talent

There’s definitely a generation gap between Boomers and Millennials. As Millennials reach the point in their careers where they’re ready to assume senior leadership positions, the misperceptions on both sides will play a role.

For example, research shows Boomers perceive Millennials as “lacking drive.” In fact, the Millennials’ prioritization of work-life balance means their work time is highly focused, which drives productivity and efficiency. What Boomers see as a lack of career drive is often a results-focused and entrepreneurial style that’s different, not lacking.

Generational misperceptions like this can cause Millennials with leadership potential to be overlooked because their abilities are not assessed objectively. These types of misunderstandings will only be compounded as Gen Z rises in company ranks.

Understanding Millennials and Gen Z

Building a strong leadership pipeline requires a deep understanding of what different generations want from employers – and what makes each unique.

Both generations are looking for opportunity. Millennials cite a lack of career opportunity as the main reason for leaving a job, while Gen Z seeks career paths where hard work leads to advancement. And both value coaches and mentors who help them get where they want to go.

But that’s where the similarities end. Gen Z employees are more money-conscious, with slightly less emphasis on work-life balance compared to Millennials. And, Gen Z is more pragmatic, individualistic, and open to trying out different roles within an organization.

Judging leadership capabilities through your own generational lens can cause you to overlook potential – or worse, mistake aspiration for true leadership characteristics. My practice is focused on helping clients confidently identify and develop tomorrow’s leaders by neutralizing bias and strengthening pipelines. Contact me to discuss how you can optimize the up and coming generations of leaders at your company. And, please click here to request a copy of my white paper, Where are Tomorrow’s Business Leaders?