Generation Z changed what we knew about training new leaders

Generation Z, currently occupying its first leadership positions in the job market, is breaking down barriers and challenging traditional organizational norms. Having grown up in an environment of rapid technological change, these young leaders, now aged between 25 and 29, are naturally adaptable, connected and demand something more than previous generations: authenticity, transparency and purpose. For companies, understanding how to shape and train these new leaders is a crucial issue, as the way these young people are prepared can have a direct impact on organizational success and the future of work. Generation Z has arrived with a set of distinctive characteristics that can be extremely advantageous for companies. One of this generation's greatest assets is their innate ability to deal with technology. Digital natives, they grew up with mobile devices and social networks, and have a close relationship with digital tools that make communication, management and collaboration more efficient.

On the other hand, the survey Workforce Hopes and FearsPwC's survey found that 35% of Generation Z professionals say they don't feel prepared to take on leadership roles. Among the reasons are a lack of practical experience and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in positions of high responsibility. Preparing this new generation of leaders requires a balance between urgency and maturity.

HR teams therefore play an essential role in integrating Generation Z into the job market and organizational culture. Dynamic, personalized training with a focus on continuous learning is a trend. To generate engagement, conventional training certainly won't work. Methodologies such as gamification and practical dynamics help to bring the theoretical field into the corporate reality. More than transferring technical knowledge, we need to pay special attention to developing soft skills, with an emphasis on communication, maturity levels, feedback and individual development plans (IDPs).

According to the report Future of Work 2025 According to the World Economic Forum, the most effective strategies for accelerating the professional maturation of Generation Z include intergenerational mentoring and job rotation. This allows these professionals to gain practical experience, learn to make strategic decisions and develop the interpersonal skills essential for leadership.

Generational integration can also greatly accelerate the process of learning and building a collaborative environment. However, if ignored, negative impacts will inevitably appear. Another study, by Harvard Business Review, revealed that 63% of the differences between generations in the corporate environment lie in the form of communication and 57% in expectations of professional growth. Respect for leadership no longer comes only from the position, but from the impact, coherence and purpose conveyed by the leader.

If the path to maturity in a management position wasn't easy for the Boomers, Xs and Ys, why should it be for Generation Z? Companies need to be aware of the challenges specific to this age group, which also include the difficulty of dealing with face-to-face conflicts or complex conversations, the lack of patience for slow and bureaucratic processes, and the challenge of managing multigenerational teams. Each generation has its own way of working, and leading a diverse team can be a challenging task without adequate preparation.

By being attentive to these changes, the HR department is not limited to being an administrative support, but becomes a strategic catalyst, preparing Generation Z professionals for the challenges of leadership positions with confidence and significant impact on the business. We must be facilitators of this process. Our role is not just to recruit and train, but to create an environment where different generations can develop together, learning from their differences and strengthening each other. The future of leadership has already begun. The question is: how are companies preparing for this transformation?