How to get the best of your PR Gen Z Workforce: Astrum's Sharada Sharma Shares Top Tips

In leadership meetings, in conferences, and in many industry forums, the most trending conversation seems to be around the GenZ workforce. Loosely categorised as ambitious, self-centred, not loyal. What the narrative on this generation fails to appreciate is that ambition, prioritising self, valuing life’s pursuits outside of work, seeking flexibility at work, and expecting to be visible, heard, and valued are basic human yearnings. 

And clarity in what you value, what you want to settle for and what not, taking a pause when needed, and following your passion are some incredible traits. Isn’t this what many are learning late in their lives (and some may not have learnt at all) that too after spending a few hundred thousand rupees on life coaches and ‘transformational’ courses?

Instead of seeing this as a workforce challenge, we need to look at it as a significant opportunity. Think not how this generation needs to change or be restrained. 

Think what you need to do differently as organisations and leaders.

So how do you create an environment that is conducive to getting the best out of this workforce?

1. Treat them as individuals beyond roles and designations

Listen, acknowledge, recognise

1. Add value to their lives

Teach them, invest in their development, show them a career path

1. Fuel their passion

Give them a purpose

1. Make them in charge

Empower and unleash their potential

1. Share the rewards of success

Share with them the wealth they help create

How does leadership style need to evolve to be able to ‘lead’ this workforce effectively?

1. Be prepared to be challenged

They will not align unless they are convinced

1. Don’t ‘assume’ your leadership role

You must lead by example, consistently

1. Don’t ‘assume’ loyalty

Shared purpose and shared goals go a long way

1. They do not want you patronising them

It's a contractual relationship with mutual benefits

1. Appreciate that ‘Smart’ work trumps ‘hard’ work

Technology comes naturally to them. They are not taking shortcuts, only working smarter.

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Sharada Adhikari Sharma, co-founder and chief science officer at Astrum - Reputation Advisory