Hey there,
I hope you’ve all had a great week. I’m just off to deliver some training, but before doing so I wanted to share something with you - following a conversation I had with a client last week that I’ve been reflecting on and working with ever since.
They were describing how mostly their millennial managers are under pressure to lead up to Gen X and down to Gen Z - adapting constantly, often without the tools or recognition to do it well.
If you’re a manager who’s constantly shifting gears, communicating one way with your boss, another way with your team, all while trying to hold it together, you’re not imagining it. You’re shapeshifting. And it’s exhausting.
It’s something we’ve been hearing more and more, which is why we created our new session: Shapeshifting Leadership – Managing Up, Down and Across Generations.
But I don’t want this newsletter to just be about the session (do book a consultation if you're interested) - I wanted to share a few practical reflections in case you or your team are feeling this squeeze too:
1. Adaptability is powerful, but only when it’s rooted in who you are. Start with your values. They’ll help you flex without losing yourself.
2. When it comes to Gen X leaders, on the whole, we find they value clarity, speed and results. Be direct. Be proactive. Speak their language.
3. With Gen Z team members, on the whole, we find they’re looking for purpose, transparency and empathy. Share the ‘why’, show up with honesty, and make space for feedback.
4. Leadership without boundaries isn’t sustainable. You don’t have to be everything to everyone to do your job well.
This is the reality for so many millennial managers right now. And the more we talk about it, the more we can support those doing this essential, high-pressure work in the middle.
As always, I’d love to hear from you.
Have an awesome week,
Cate x
Hey there,
I hope you’ve all had a great week. I’m just off to deliver some training, but before doing so I wanted to share something with you - following a conversation I had with a client last week that I’ve been reflecting on and working with ever since.
They were describing how mostly their millennial managers are under pressure to lead up to Gen X and down to Gen Z - adapting constantly, often without the tools or recognition to do it well.
If you’re a manager who’s constantly shifting gears, communicating one way with your boss, another way with your team, all while trying to hold it together, you’re not imagining it. You’re shapeshifting. And it’s exhausting.
It’s something we’ve been hearing more and more, which is why we created our new session: Shapeshifting Leadership – Managing Up, Down and Across Generations.
But I don’t want this newsletter to just be about the session (do book a consultation if you're interested) - I wanted to share a few practical reflections in case you or your team are feeling this squeeze too:
1. Adaptability is powerful, but only when it’s rooted in who you are. Start with your values. They’ll help you flex without losing yourself.
2. When it comes to Gen X leaders, on the whole, we find they value clarity, speed and results. Be direct. Be proactive. Speak their language.
3. With Gen Z team members, on the whole, we find they’re looking for purpose, transparency and empathy. Share the ‘why’, show up with honesty, and make space for feedback.
4. Leadership without boundaries isn’t sustainable. You don’t have to be everything to everyone to do your job well.
This is the reality for so many millennial managers right now. And the more we talk about it, the more we can support those doing this essential, high-pressure work in the middle.
As always, I’d love to hear from you.
Have an awesome week,
Cate x
