What’s wrong with Gen Y and Gen Z?
Author Simon Sinek says Gen Y and Gen Z are struggling with something.
I say they aren’t the only ones...
I have been a fan of Simon Sinek since I saw his ‘Start with Why’ talk a decade ago.
Back then few around me knew about his ‘Golden Circle,’ but Sinek has since become a poster boy for ‘thought leader’ with many quoting him as they talk about finding their ‘Why’ and ‘Just Cause’.
Recently Sinek shared a video with an attention grabbing headline, written in ALL CAPS:
THE SKILLS GEN Y AND GEN Z STRUGGLE WITH
And then he revealed...
These technology-loving generations lack essential communication skills.
They’re scared to talk to strangers.
They are too scared to have a confrontation.
They would rather ghost someone they no longer want to date than have a difficult conversation.
And as Sinek correctly summises, leaders must be able to have difficult conversations. It’s part of the job.
Leaders must be willing to give difficult feedback that helps an individual grow – the things that ‘everybody knows, but everybody else is afraid to say.’
He says Gen Y and Gen Z need to know how to communicate effectively – including how to have a difficult conversation, listen, and give and receive feedback.
I agree – Gen Y and Gen Z need these skills.
But you know what?
So do Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Communication challenges in the workplace aren’t new – they’re just different.
Communication Matters
I’ve spent more than 15 years helping leaders improve their communication skills.
I’ve lived and worked on three continents, in fields from film and television to government and financial services. Since starting my own company, I’ve also helped clients in industries including tech, pharma, law, media, and FMCG.
All this means I’ve seen a lot of communication and leadership styles.
The most effective (and respected) leaders know the value of communication.
They put the time into communicating effectively because they know how important it is. Like Warren Buffett, they know the return they will get on their investment.
But sadly, I’ve seen many leaders who treat communication as an ‘extra,’ and often say they don’t ‘have time’ to work on improving their presentations – or their skills.
Often, they do not recognize how poor their communication skills are (and no one else will tell them!).
And they fail to realize how poor communication affects their company’s productivity, performance – and profits.
Many have been able to get promoted (and get paid well) in spite of their poor communication skills.
They have no incentive to change.
So before we criticize Gen Y and Gen Z for their lack of leadership skills, maybe we need to hold up the mirror, and look around at the example that’s been set for them.
How are the Baby Boomer and Gen X leaders in your company communicating?
How are they treating people who work for them?
What behaviours are they role-modelling?
If I reflect on my career, I’ve seen plenty of Gen X and Baby Boomer ‘leaders’ who have shied away from difficult conversations – often relegating it to HR.
I’ve also seen leaders remain employed (and get promoted) despite:
making frequent sexist, racist, and/or homophobic comments
sexually harassing and assaulting colleagues
bullying team members.
When I watch videos of Steve Jobs speaking, I admire his public speaking skills, his vision, and his courage.
But how would we rate his people management and communication skills if he were leading Apple today?
How many of his staff would complain, take stress leave, or feel their wellbeing suffered in the environment he created?
Ask yourself about the Gen X and Baby Boomer leaders you’ve seen or experienced.
How many of them clearly communicate their priorities?
How many of them give feedback and criticism in a way that’s constructive and helps people and teams grow?
How many of them listen to their subordinates, and role model the behaviours you’d want or expect from a leader?
Gen Y and Gen Z may have entered the workforce with unhelpful habits, but they are also learning what leadership looks like by what is tolerated and celebrated in our companies today.
So while I understand there are people born into Gen Y and Z who need to work on their communication skills, let’s all be honest and humble enough to look at the example of leadership and communication they’re seeing.
Sinek is right – companies need to invest in communication skills.
For all of their people.