5 Leadership Behaviors to Retain Gen Z Talent
by Dave Miller
Leadership Pathway has now launched over 100 residency opportunities in local churches across the country. They are all unique in their own way, but there are patterns that emerge that begin to feel applicable to all.
Here are five traits that we see smart leaders of Gen Z doing that are helpful to cross the generational gap. (and yes, I’m cringing…I’ve been guilty of not doing all of these…hey, we’re all still learning here).
Restrict Communication to Work Hours Great leaders understand the importance of boundaries. Keeping all communications, including texts, emails, and Slack messages, within work hours is crucial. If you consistently reach out after hours or on off days, Gen Z team members run the risk of disengaging and seeking employment elsewhere. For the well-being of both yourself and your team, refrain from after-hours communication.
Take Your Day Off Demonstrating the importance of rest is essential. Model taking a sabbath by genuinely disconnecting on your day off. Consider getting a burner phone that only one work person and your spouse can contact you on during your day off if you must. This practice shows Gen Z employees the value of work-life balance and sets a healthy example.
Show Genuine Interest in Their Lives Do you know them? Ask about their families and personal well-being. Caring for your team members and shepherding them through challenges is vital. Study their personality and lean how to approach them on their terms. Make notes if necessary to remember important details about their lives. Showing genuine interest and empathy builds a strong, supportive work environment that Gen Z values highly. My sense is that this is the easiest and most natural one on the list for church leaders.
Celebrate the Wins Acknowledge and celebrate successes, no matter how small. Not every day or week will bring monumental achievements, but finding something positive to celebrate in the work fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivation. If you only focus on problems and fixing issues, it will eventually wear out your team. Celebrating wins keeps morale high and encourages continued effort and engagement.
Model a Healthy Lifestyle Demonstrate a balanced approach to health by maintaining a workout routine and engaging in hobbies outside of work. Gen Z employees are perceptive and will notice if a leader is unhealthy or overly focused on work. Show that you value physical and mental health, and your team will respect and follow your lead.
Bonus Tip: Embrace Their Culture. We’ve written before about approaching this cross-culturally. Ask questions and take an active interest in learning about Gen Z culture and language. Approach it similarly to engaging with a cross-cultural group. Understanding and appreciating their unique perspectives and values will foster a more inclusive and connected team environment.
Needing to learn more about Gen Z so you can lead them well? Here are two things to consider: Grab Dr. Tim Elmore’s book “Generation Z Unfiltered” it’s second to the Bible around here, or talk to Kristin Miller, Director of Resident Development.