Zoomers Change Your Mindset!

Industry Leaders1 month ago

Gen Z, driven by purpose and authenticity, challenges stereotypes of being “screen-obsessed.” As tech-savvy digital natives, they are collaborative, adaptable, and skilled communicators. To unlock their leadership potential, they must shift from individual success to prioritizing collective wellbeing. True leadership balances personal ambition with empowering others, fostering inclusivity, and creating positive societal impact—a "we" mindset for a better future.

B Kiron Shenoy

B Kiron Shenoy is a self-motivated and result-oriented professional with nearly four decades of experience in the SAARC region. Kiron’s forte has been spearheading marketing and initiating projects across the board, whether it is about starting grassroots or “brownshoot” projects, creating profit centers, or restructuring and turning around small and medium scale companies. He has expertise in Corporate Affairs, Marketing, Project Management, Restructuring, Life Coaching, and Mentoring.

 

 

Based in Sri Lanka with his family since 1997, post-January 2019, he is functioning as a Management Consultant/Director, handling a few regular assignments in Strategy and Restructuring in an Educational Group and an Agricultural Group in Sri Lanka. He is also involved as an Independent Non-Executive Director with the Pan Asia Group, Sri Lanka, and as an INED in a listed company in India — Everlon Financials Limited, Mumbai.

 

An avid traveler and passionate tennis player who loves to network.
(www.kironshenoy.com)

 

“GENZEERS” — DITCH THE “ME” AND EMBRACE THE “WE”

Gen Z is a generation driven by purpose, authenticity, and a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact. They are poised to reshape the leadership landscape but are mostly, often stereotyped as “screen-obsessed” and “easily distracted.”

 

 

Forget the image of entitled millennials; born into a hyper-connected world, this tech-savvy Generation Z possesses unique strengths. They are collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity. They are digital natives, fluent in the language of social media and online platforms, making them adept at communication and building networks.

 

 

Going forward, to truly unleash their leadership potential, Gen Z must shift their focus. While individual success is important, a truly impactful leader prioritizes collective wellbeing. It’s time to move beyond the “me” generation and embrace a “we” mentality.

 

 

Of course, you don’t sacrifice personal ambitions. Instead, it’s about aligning individual goals with a larger purpose. It’s about recognizing that true leadership lies in empowering others, fostering inclusivity, and creating a positive impact on society.

 

 

Let us see how Gen Z can cultivate leadership qualities that will shape the world for a better future:

CULTIVATE CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS:

  • Engage in active learning: question assumptions, analyze information from multiple perspectives, and seek out diverse viewpoints.
  • Practice problem-solving techniques: do brainstorming and analysis of the root causes to tackle challenges more effectively.
  • Embrace challenges: view setbacks as learning opportunities and develop strategies for overcoming obstacles. Do not be upset with failures.

EMBRACE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMPATHY:

  • Practice active listening: pay attention to others’ perspectives, feelings, and needs.
  • Develop self-awareness: understand your own emotions and how they impact your interactions with others.
  • Cultivate empathy: strive to understand and share the feelings of others.

EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

  • Challenge biases and stereotypes: recognize and address unconscious biases within yourself and others.
  • Celebrate differences: value and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals from all backgrounds.
  • Create inclusive setup: advocate for equity and ensure that everyone feels valued and respected.

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT:

  • Make conscious choices: consider the environmental and social impact of your actions in daily life.
  • Support sustainable practices: advocate for and participate in initiatives that promote environmental protection and social justice.
  • Align your career goals with your values: seek opportunities to contribute to a more just and equitable world.

DEVELOP STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

  • Practice clear and concise communication: develop the ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Master active listening: pay close attention to others, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate genuine interest in their perspectives.
  • Build strong interpersonal skills: cultivate empathy, assertiveness, and the ability to build and maintain relationships.

Leadership is not always about climbing the corporate ladder; it is about making a difference. By embracing these principles, Gen Z can become a force for positive change, shaping a brighter future for all.


Our young leaders of tomorrow face a unique set of challenges in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. A few are highlighted:


RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS:

  • Automation and AI: navigating job displacement and adapting to new skillsets required by an increasingly automated world.
  • Digital Divide: bridging the gap in access to technology and digital literacy, ensuring equitable opportunities for all.
  • Ethical Considerations: addressing the ethical implications of emerging technologies like AI, data privacy, and algorithmic bias.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY:

  • Addressing the Climate Crisis: leading the charge in developing and implementing sustainable solutions to combat climate change.
  • Resource Scarcity: navigating challenges related to resource scarcity, such as water and energy, and promoting sustainable consumption.
  • Environmental Justice: advocating for equitable access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment for all.

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL POLARIZATION:

  • Bridging Divides: fostering unity and understanding in a world increasingly divided by political and social ideologies.
  • Promoting Inclusivity and Equity: addressing issues of inequality, discrimination, and social injustice.
  • Building Trust and Collaboration: cultivating trust and cooperation across diverse communities and stakeholders.

GLOBAL INTERCONNECTEDNESS AND GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY:

  • Navigating Global Challenges: addressing global issues such as pandemics, economic crises, and geopolitical conflicts.
  • Promoting Global Citizenship: fostering a sense of global responsibility and understanding of interconnectedness.
  • Adapting to a Multipolar World: thriving in a world with multiple centers of power and shifting geopolitical alliances.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL WELL-BEING:

  • Maintaining Work-Life Balance: navigating the demands of a 24/7 connected world and prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
  • Developing Resilience and Adaptability: cultivating the ability to thrive in a constantly changing and uncertain environment.
  • Finding Meaning and Purpose: finding meaning and purpose in their work and lives beyond material success.

These challenges require young leaders to be adaptable, resilient, and equipped with a strong sense of purpose and global citizenship. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices, they can navigate the complexities of the 21st century and create a better future for all.

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