“The new generations have other values and principles that have shaped what work and organisational culture means to them.
How do the new generations understand leadership?
Leadership styles have evolved over time, and the differences between generations are notable. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, tend to adopt a more traditional, hierarchical approach to leadership, while millennials and Generation Z prefer more collaborative and flexible leadership styles. In this article we look at the different motivations of each group, which can be summarised as follows:
* Baby Boomers: have a hierarchical leadership style. They value hard work, loyalty and achievement and often emphasise the importance of relationships in business.
* Millennials: tend to be more collaborative and team-oriented than previous generations and place a high value on diversity and inclusion. They seek opinions before making decisions. They’re also generally more tech-savvy than previous generations.
* Generation Z: their leadership style is still developing. They’re very comfortable with technology and social media and value authenticity and transparency. They want to inspire improvements in society and prioritise people’s well-being.
It’s important to note that not all people of a particular generation will fit these characteristics. In addition, each leader will have his or her own unique approach to leadership, regardless of their age, background or year of birth.
Today, we live in a rapidly evolving world, facing constant business and technological disruption that requires people with a high capacity to adapt, tolerate change and learn. This has meant a shift from hard skills to soft skills, putting more emphasis on how leaders manage their teams and bring out the best in each member.
According to Bill George, it’s not surprising that the proliferation of genuine leadership coincides with the arrival of emerging leaders. New generation leaders have very different expectations, beliefs, values and goals than their predecessors.
These generational differences in leadership reflect the social, economic and technological changes that have shaped the experiences and expectations of each group. While each leadership style has its merits and challenges, it is crucial that organisations recognise and value generational diversity, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment in which all voices can be heard and considered.
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