Generations at Work

In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore effective strategies for attracting and retaining Generation Z employees in the workplace. Drawing from Dr. Elmore's new book The Future Begins with Z, they discuss the unique challenges employers face with Gen Z's changing attitudes toward entry-level work, higher rates of job-hopping, and the importance of workplace culture and leadership style. They're also joined by Adrienne Kelly, a Gen Z member of the workforce, who shares her firsthand experience transitioning into the workforce, highlighting how culture, mission, and meaningful connections with leaders shaped her commitment to stay. This episode offers practical insights for leaders—including the value of moving from a gatekeeper to a mentor mindset, fostering open communication, and creating a welcoming, growth-oriented environment—to ensure Gen Z feels engaged, valued, and motivated to remain with their organizations. Equip the next generation in the workplace with Dr. Tim Elmore's guide, The Future Begins With Z — https://www.timelmore.com/the-future-begins-with-z/?el=g@w_libsyn_24 Unleash the power of your story at A Book in a Weekend — https://www.abookinaweekend.com/?el=g@w_libsyn_24

Jeff Hancher, a leadership expert and author of Firm Feedback, dives into the importance of feedback in multi-generational workplaces. He discusses how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z perceive feedback differently and shares ways to tailor feedback to each generation. Jeff emphasizes the value of building trust and setting clear expectations, recounting a personal story of transformation through tough love from his manager. The conversation is rich with actionable tips for leaders to create a culture of meaningful and effective feedback.

John Craze, owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A in Alpharetta, Georgia, shares valuable insights from managing a team of predominantly Gen Z employees. He discusses strategies for engaging and retaining young workers through flexibility and purpose. John highlights Gen Z's impressive multitasking skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments, while also explaining how they drive innovative social media content. With a focus on cultivating a caring work culture, he reveals how empowering young employees leads to remarkable service and operational success.

Join Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and author, as he unpacks insights from his book, focusing on Gen Z's unique blend of agency and anxiety. He highlights the importance of workplace diversity and evolving identities, encouraging leaders to shift from control to connection. Elmore suggests embracing Gen Z's entrepreneurial spirit and promoting innovation internally. He also shares predictions about future work dynamics, like the rise of four-day workweeks and the increasing influence of young, socially-savvy employees.

In this discussion, Sue Enquist, a legendary former UCLA softball coach and mentor for emerging leaders, shares her insights on effective mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of listening without ego and balancing rest with rigor for sustainable performance. Sue discusses strategies for fostering belief in young leaders and offers practical habits like gratitude and team awareness. She explores peer mentoring dynamics and the necessity of creating psychological safety, all aimed at bridging generational gaps in both sports and corporate environments.

Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and best-selling author, joins the conversation to explore the unique traits of Generation Z in the workplace. He discusses the democratization of the workforce, emphasizing that younger employees crave a voice in decision-making. Tim highlights the importance of adapting leadership styles to foster trust and connection. The impact of instant information access on Gen Z's expectations is also examined, along with strategies for nurturing mental health in a binge-culture world. Tim's insights empower leaders to bridge generational gaps effectively.

Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and author of The Future Begins With Z, discusses how to effectively lead Generation Z in the workplace. He reveals alarming statistics on Gen Z's struggles, including high turnover and a skills gap between education and employment. Elmore introduces the Peter Pan Paradox, highlighting their unique blend of creativity and delayed maturity. He advocates for extended onboarding, mentorship, and the A-L-E-G framework to improve communication. The conversation is filled with practical strategies for fostering engagement and retaining young talent.

Cami Mackey, the Chief People Officer at the Atlanta Hawks with over 30 years in HR, shares her insights on bridging generational gaps in the workplace. She emphasizes the distinct communication styles and work ethics of different generations. Cami reveals what Gen Z seeks from employers: purpose, flexibility, and growth opportunities. She discusses innovative recruitment techniques and the Hawks' data-driven strategies to attract younger fans and talent. With a focus on inclusion and continuous learning, this conversation offers valuable leadership tips for today's diverse workforce.

Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and bestselling author, discusses how to foster a 'whatever it takes' team culture across diverse age groups. He delves into how generational upbringing influences work attitudes and debunks myths surrounding Gen Z's work ethic. Tim emphasizes that Gen Z values loyalty to leaders over institutions, especially after pandemic layoffs. He shares practical strategies for leaders to build trust and offers inspiring metaphors like the 'second mile' to motivate teams to go above and beyond.

Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of feedback across different age groups. He explains why understanding these preferences is crucial for effective leadership. Generational feedback styles vary significantly—Boomers favor annual reviews, while Gen Z prefers continuous, empathetic communication. Elmore’s memorable metaphors, like viewing feedback through a surgeon's lens, emphasize the importance of thoughtful correction. He also introduces the ALEG framework to help leaders connect deeper with their teams.