Neeti Sharma, Co-Founder and President of TeamLease Edtech, says the leadership landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, particularly in startups. Traditionally, leadership positions were often occupied by individuals with extensive experience and seniority. However, there has been a notable shift in recent years as younger leaders are assuming prominent roles in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. “In the startup ecosystem, we are witnessing that several leaders are from Generation Z and this is proof that age is just a number,” she says.
Emerging organisational changes are also bringing the Gen Z, who have brought in new energy and exuberance to the workplace, to leadership positions. Alok Kumar, Senior Director of Manpower, ManpowerGroup India, says the current leaders are baffled while managing this “reel generation” of Gen Z. This highlights that the younger cohort needs to be trained to handle the challenges of an organisation.
“In another decade ahead, we will see the ‘ultra Gen Z’ generation coming into the workplaces. To manage them, we need to groom todays’ Gen Z for leadership roles. This generation is very much updated and exposed to the latest technologies. And empowering these young people by honing their unique skill sets, capitalising on their tech knowhow can bring a new approach to learning and problem solving,” he says.
The skills needed
Sharma of TeamLease Edtech says some studies have shown that while Gen Z are well-versed in technology, they may lack the social skills that some natural-born leaders have. This can be solved by encouraging them to improve their public speaking, networking and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, it is important to provide opportunities for them to develop resilience and agility, as these qualities are crucial for navigating the uncertainties of leadership roles.
“In today’s evolving job market, certain skills remain in high demand, offering Gen Z ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Soft skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence and leadership are being valued increasingly. Additionally, proficiency in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning opens doors to lucrative career paths in data science, cybersecurity and software development,” says Sharma.Building and fostering social and soft skills can help Gen Z to take up leadership positions. This generation is more curious and well exposed to various things, thoughts and cultures, says Kumar. They have a nomadic lifestyle and it’s easy to inculcate flexibility into what they do. Leadership cannot be taught in classrooms, and real-life experiences work best to groom this generation for leadership positions. “The good thing is that Gen Z is extremely flexible and can acquire critical skills independently or informally while on the job. They have a mind of their own and I’m sure will soon introduce new concepts in leadership style,” she says.
The way forward
Kumar clarifies that the Gen Z mindset is curious, agile and attuned to a continuous learning mindset. Moreover, this generation tends to be early adopters of technology and this helps them stay ahead of the curve.
“As we know, employers favour candidates who demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement, making Gen Z the perfect vessel to carry the torch forward. With the right support and guidance, Gen Z has the potential to become influential leaders, shaping the future of organisations and society at large. The current generation of leaders have to offer mentorship and practical advice. Networking events and incubators can serve as platforms for fostering meaningful connections and knowledge exchange between seasoned leaders and emerging talent,” she adds.