Gen Z, Small People Have Become Bosses
Some of the 500 largest US companies have president directors under the age of 50. In fact, a number of companies have leaders under the age of 30. They are not children or grandchildren of the founder of the company.
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"Woke Generation Discussion: How These Independent Medias are Opening The Eyes of Gen-Z. In Ideafest 2020, which runs from November 5-15, 2020, representatives of the Z generation showed that they care and are brave enough to take real action to solve problems in Indonesia."
Generation Z, the cohort born during the mid-1990s to mid-2010s, makes up 26 percent of the global population. Some of them have already graduated from school and entered the workforce. In fact, some have become leaders in their own companies or have held top positions in other companies.
All studies on Gen Z indicate that this is the most diverse and tech-savvy generation. According to research conducted by Stanford University in the United States and the United Kingdom, Gen Z is the most diverse in terms of ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Read also: The "Freelance" Generation and Social Change
They are the most educated generation; concerned about political, social, and environmental issues; and the most sociable in their interactions.
In June 2023, McKinsey released a report stating that one-third of the 500 largest companies in the US have CEOs under the age of 50. In fact, some companies have CEOs under the age of 30 who are not the children or grandchildren of the company's founder.
There is indeed a disadvantage that Gen Z has less experience in dealing with economic cycles. However, on the other hand, many companies actually see this as an advantage because it brings a fresh perspective.
Celia Huber, senior partner at McKinsey, explained that this phenomenon indicates that established companies trust the Generation Z significantly, as long as individuals demonstrate the necessary leadership qualities to manage the corporation.
"There is indeed a weakness that Gen Z lacks experience in facing economic cycles. However, on the other hand, many companies see this as an advantage because it presents a fresh perspective," he said in the report."
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Head of the Center for Indonesian National Studies (PSKI) at Prasetiya Mulya University, Hassan Wirajuda (right) and Director of Research at PSKI Prasetiya Mulya University, Antonius Agus Sriyono (left) presented the concern of millennials and Gen Z about national insights in Tangerang on Tuesday (17/1/2023). Therefore, national education for young generations needs to be adjusted to the aspirations of young generations.
According to Huber, 300 company leaders who were interviewed by McKinsey stated that the most important characteristic of a leader is the ability to adapt to all uncertainties. The next characteristic is the ability to manage the environment and emotions of employees.
One aspect of the ability to adapt to uncertainty is the mastery or at least understanding of digital technology developments.
Also read: A Bachelor's Degree Does Not Guarantee Easy Finding Work, It's the Same in the US or China
The type of Gen Z leadership is discussed in Jake Aguas' scientific paper, a management expert at the Crowell Business School, Biola University, USA, published in the 2019 edition of the Journal of Emerging Leadership. He conducts a study on Gen Z in the US regarding the type of leadership they expect from themselves and others.
"For Gen Z, a leader is not just a superior or boss, but a mentor. They want a communicative leader with their team, not just someone who considers subordinates as employees," said Aguas."
Also read: Creativity Becomes a Way Out in the Midst of Uncertainty
This communication is two-way, meaning that it involves discussions to seek fresh, and even radical, ideas with respect for each individual's concepts, regardless of whether they will be utilized or not. Leaders do not simply stay in the office, but also go down to the field and set examples for the team by applying their knowledge.
"The work system is also not strictly hierarchical, allowing each team member room for growth. Here, flexibility in work is emphasized as an important factor for Gen Z," explains Aguas."
People pass by on a street in Tokyo, Japan, on June 5th, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Way of communication
Meanwhile, Jack Kelly, CEO of WeCruitr, a US-based employment firm, explained to Forbes magazine that this communication style is a major issue between Gen Z and the generation above them, especially Generation X, who are their parents' age.
Many leaders from Gen X consider Gen Z too candid in expressing their opinions, even brazen. In some cases, Gen Z insist on their ideas because they believe it is the best, regardless of practicality or consideration of various factors that do not align with the issue at hand.
"The level of emotional maturity is problematic, but it is not entirely Gen Z's fault because three years of their formative years occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. They missed opportunities for practical college, internships, and developing direct communication skills," he said.
This communication method is the main issue between Gen Z and the generation above them, especially Generation X who are their parents' generation.
Kelly's statement is in line with a survey conducted by The Wall Street Journal in April 2023 on Gen Z who will graduate in 2023. They realized that due to the pandemic, there were no opportunities for internships or part-time work.
When writing a curriculum vitae, for example, there is almost nothing they can mention in the experience column. This makes them worry that the company will not accept their job application.
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Job seekers crowded the job fair venue held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (4/7/2023). The job fair was attended by 100 companies offering around 5000 job vacancies.
Fired after the pandemic
Moreover, after the pandemic, they also witnessed hundreds of thousands of professionals being fired due to companies miscalculating during the pandemic and hiring too many people. If professionals with years of expertise do not have job security, Gen Z sees little opportunity for themselves.
"In the end, for Gen Z, the ones who pay the most attention to us are fellow Gen Z. We understand the values of our generation, namely the freedom to think and express ourselves critically. Rarely are there established institutions that understand, let alone accept us. So, the way out is to build for our own generation," said Santiago Mayer (21) to USA Today."
We understand the values upheld by our generation, namely freedom of thought and critical expression.
When he was 17 years old, Mayer founded Voters of Tomorrow. It is an organization to educate young generations in the US to be politically aware in order to ensure that their rights, protected by the democracy system, are fulfilled by the government.
Political parties, both Republican and Democrat, according to Mayer, have not fully developed a specific program for Gen Z. Young people are still seen as potential voters, but the parties' vision and mission do not align with their aspirations.
Zach Hirsch (21), founder of digital company Mozverse Inc., expressed a similar opinion. He leads a small company consisting of people under the age of 26. They specialize in developing websites according to client demand and marketing strategy.
"This is not about me, but rather about hiring a team of the same age group. Anyone can join as long as they are compatible with the dynamics of the company. As for leadership, it is up to every client who uses our company's services. The fact that they continue to use our services shows that clients have no issue with Gen Z leadership," he explained to Fox5."
Hirsch sees that Gen Z's interest revolves around the digital world. The reason being, the presence of the internet and social media provide an inclusive opportunity for Gen Z to create.
Creating social media content is a type of business that Gen Z is passionate about. And it's not easy because it requires teamwork and careful management of the medium.
At the same time, its implementation is flexible and can take risks. This is considered attractive to Gen Z and may not be available in conventional companies.
