Managing Gen Z

[Amy8]

I’m an experienced senior manager who took some time out to work as a consultant – partly to avoid exactly these kinds of situations!

Something happened last week that’s made me question my management style, which I’ve always thought was fair. The CEO asked me (quite urgently) to get something done. I was in a meeting, so I asked a junior team member to help out. It would’ve been easier to just do it myself, but I genuinely needed the support.

He replied that he needed to check with his line manager first because it wasn’t in his work plan (I manage his manager), and then added that he was logging off shortly for a long weekend which had been pre-agreed.

I stayed polite on Teams and explained that sometimes we have to be reactive to senior requests — but honestly, inside I was thinking, just do it! At his age, I’d have just cracked on.

It’s not the first time I’ve had this kind of pushback — others in the team (same age group) have also been quite firm about working from home and not wanting to come in when asked.

I’m genuinely wondering: is this just how the workplace is now — a generational shift and new boundaries — or is it a bit of a disregard for authority and should I be adapting better ?

Simply top-notch management and people skills on show once again.

My seniority or lack of isn't the point (which is why I won't be pulling rank on you, though suffice to say NHS middle management isn't something I need to doff my cap to). The point is that your kneejerk reaction to me, and to several other posters in this thread, is to talk down to them as if they're beneath you. Your attitude needs adjusting: it's disrespectful on a human level and frankly outdated on a business level.

I think you're getting a hard time. The issue isn't his age but his lack of experience or skill in reprioritising when needed. We all have core duties but if something urgent comes in, it has to take priority over business as usual. This is something he needs to learn for his future career so his manager could have a quiet word when they're back.

If he was worried about his early finish (fair enough!) He could have communicated this better and either suggested someone else did it, or taken it as far as he could in the time available.

This is how it is now , and not only gen Z , I am in my 40s and after Covid , I changed my way of working to do what’s needed and not more . If I die tomorrow work will substitute me within a couple of months , sorry ( not sorry ) family comes first . Thankfully not an issue in my team as I’m myself senior management and will treat others as I like to be treated .

@rzm As I said I have no idea why you would call me snide & ungrateful, it doesn't suggest a happy mind to me but I hope you find some peace.

hello! I am in a meeting “can you go in and get xx data for me - needed for an important matter we are discussing please “

Why wasn't the data already there if it was so important. It sounds like you didn't prepare properly for the meeting so are trying to shift the blame down the ladder. Taking it out on a junior employee because you screwed up isn't a good look.

You have an issue with seniority - that’s normally indicative of those who’ve not been able to progress where they want to

@U53rName but not every role pays that & whatever you are paid doesn't go so far these days & often hasn't kept up with inflation. My CEO is on approx that & I wouldn't do the job. Far too stressful.

15 mins that may have delayed him and caused him to miss a train/keep others waiting for him.

Don't most contracts these days have something along the lines of 'The duties and responsibilities outlined in this contract are not exhaustive and may be amended. You may be required to perform other reasonable duties as assigned by your manager or the Company consistent with your role and level of responsibility'

When Gen Z, or anyone for that matter, says "it's not in my job spec" surely their contract takes care of that? To be honest this section of the contract pisses me off somewhat as I think it can be easily exploited but in this particular case I don't think the OP was being unreasonable.

Meh..
We Gen X thought the Millennials were flakey because they wanted to feel valued and special. The Boomers thought we were shirkers and drifters.
Now the Millennials find Gen Z want to have firm boundaries and look out for themselves.
At the end of the day, the world changes, attitudes change and people evolve.

Ah, needing sone attention today?

I know you’re not senior by that response and have no decision making prowess that really contribute to anything of that importance - because seniority caries responsibility and getting things done , for me - for patients and those in most need

Arguing with posters who disagree with you when you asked for advice isn't giving self reflection & a willingness to learn...

That’s my point. Will be there be someone willing to step up into their role when they retire at your company? If not, companies are screwed by 2045.

It was an hour and a half before he was due to leave.

There is a management question here and the answer depends on the organisational context and individuals involved.

But I don't think it makes sense to attribute it to a broad generational change. I have seen similar to what the OP described from people who were pushing 60 when I started work 25 years ago.

Your previous post says he's a good performer generally
So which is it?

God I can't believe how many people have a problem with a junior colleague being asked to do something by a senior manager, especially if it is something in his job description.
Maybe it's because I'm old but I think people should do as they are asked and not question every interaction. Especially if it in no way impacted his leaving time and wasn't something he didn't usually do.

You get that this is Mumsnet and not a workplace, right? OP is not your manager and doesn't have to show management and people skills towards you.

And your persistence of my unhappiness after I have articulated my point AND apologised to you as you continue to ignore anything else I have said because you made the mistake of wading in on something you had no experience of and are not mature enough to back down from is really giving happy grown up vibes. Let’s leave it there eh, I was daft to think I could have an intelligent conversation on this on MN at 10am on a Saturday. Best get back to my unhappy life.

and he is probably smart enough to know that it's never 'just 15 minutes'. What if the task had taken longer? What is the system had jammed? Is he supposed to leave the task half way through to leave for his planned trip?

No, but her replies indicate her (in)ability to communicate effectively with people.

You do realise that not everyone is in a role or even an industry where "climbing the corporate ladder" is the default progression?

(Freely admit I've always had problems with authority. I consider that a strength and it's served me very well. Being able to think beyond a corporate hierarchy model is something I observe in forward-thinking leaders as well as independent-minded young talents, and it's something I encourage.)

@U53rName companies have to adapt, my CEO is wanting to step down as the role is not what it was even a decade ago. She will be reducing her hours across a few years and parts of the job are getting divided between other SLT members. The new CEO will be doing a different role & I reckon it will involve a pay rise.

And this.