ResumeBuilder.com has conducted a comprehensive survey among 873 business leaders to delve into their perceptions of Gen Z managers and the challenges they face in leadership roles. The survey sheds light on both the strengths and areas of improvement for this emerging generation of leaders.
- Perceptions of Gen Z Managers:
- Negative Experiences: 14% of business leaders who have worked with Gen Z managers report negative experiences.
- Reasons Cited: Poor communication, lack of leadership capabilities, inexperience, inefficiency, disorganization, informality, and rudeness.
- Ineffectiveness: 20% of business leaders consider Gen Z managers to be ineffective leaders, particularly in handling conflict, decision-making, communication, delegation, adaptation to change, and collaboration.
- Challenges from Direct Reports:
- Complaints Received: 90% of business leaders have received complaints from direct reports of Gen Z managers.
- Common Issues: Inexperience, inefficiency, poor communication and leadership skills, informality, disorganization, and rudeness.
- Impact: Complaints have led direct reports to change teams, request mediation, file formal complaints, request a new manager, threaten to quit, or quit.
- Consequences and Recommendations:
- Negative Consequences: 48% of business leaders report Gen Z managers facing consequences like performance improvement plans, increased supervision, probation, and senior management meetings.
- Training Needs: 65% believe Gen Z managers would benefit from leadership training, 57% suggest professional development courses, and 55% recommend mentorship programs to improve their skills.
Expert Insights: Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist at ResumeBuilder.com, emphasizes the importance of training and managing expectations for Gen Z managers. She advocates for investing in their development rather than immediate dismissal based on lack of experience alone.
The survey underscores the dual perspectives on Gen Z managers—acknowledging their potential while highlighting areas where improvement and support are needed. By addressing training gaps and providing mentorship, businesses can nurture the leadership capabilities of Gen Z managers effectively.
