The Difference Between Gen-Z and Everyone Else | Mark Zides | TEDxBabsonCollege

Summary

In this insightful address, Mark Zeids, CEO of Core Access, discusses the unique challenges and strengths of Generation Z in the workforce. He acknowledges how this generation, often labeled as 'lazy' or 'woke,' possesses remarkable empathy, a drive for work-life balance, and a desire to champion social causes. However, he highlights a gap in readiness for the competitive job market due to overprotection in their upbringing. Zeids encourages Gen Z to showcase their authenticity, adaptability, and determination while emphasizing the importance of preparing a professional online presence and cultivating key skills to succeed and debunk stereotypes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gen Z faces stereotypes like being lazy or overly dependent on technology, but they possess unique strengths.
• 🌍 Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance and is engaged in social causes such as climate change and racial equality.
• 👥 Effective communication and personal branding are crucial in the job market for Gen Z to succeed.
• 💪 Gen X values traits like grit and determination, which can sometimes clash with Gen Z's work approach.
• 🚀 Gen Z needs to debunk negative stereotypes by actively demonstrating their skills and values in the workplace.
• 📝 Customizing job applications, including cover letters, can significantly improve hiring prospects.
• 🌟 A professional online presence, including LinkedIn profiles, is essential for making a positive first impression.
• 📈 Key attributes for career success include urgency, conflict resolution skills, and agility in the workplace.
• 🤝 Building empathy and collaboration skills can help bridge generational gaps in the workforce.
• 🔄 Embracing curiosity, authenticity, and a willingness to learn can empower Gen Z to be leaders and change-makers.

Q & A

What are some common stereotypes associated with Generation Z?

Generation Z is often labeled as 'woke,' part of the 'trophy generation,' perceived as lazy, and thought to lack social skills despite being proficient in social media.

What does Mark Zeids suggest is a significant issue for Generation Z in the workplace?

He suggests that Generation Z often enters the workforce unprepared due to their upbringing, which emphasized protection and support, potentially limiting their experience with failure.

How does Mark Zeids relate his own experiences to the challenges faced by Generation Z?

Zeids admits that he is part of the problem because the previous generation, including parents and guardians, aimed to provide too much support, which may have hindered the development of resilience in young adults.

What traits does Zeids highlight as strengths of Generation Z?

He highlights traits such as empathy, collaboration, work-life balance, and a desire to engage in social causes as strengths that Generation Z brings to the workplace.

What advice does Zeids give regarding social media presence?

He advises that social media profiles should be professional and that LinkedIn profiles must align with resumes. He also suggests that candidates should clean up any inappropriate content online.

Why is it important for Generation Z to customize their cover letters?

Customizing cover letters shows hiring managers that candidates have taken the time to research the company and align their values with the organization's goals, making their application more meaningful.

What strategies does Zeids recommend for effective interview preparation?

He recommends practicing with mock interviews, checking posture and eye contact, and sending personalized thank-you notes, which could even be in video format.

What challenges does Zeids identify that might slow down Generation Z's career progress?

He identifies lack of urgency, inability to deal with conflict, and lack of agility as three key challenges that could hinder career success for Generation Z.

What does Zeids say about the current job market compared to 20 years ago?

He notes that today's job market is more competitive, requiring higher qualifications such as master's degrees and internships, which were not necessary two decades ago.

What final message does Zeids want to convey to Generation Z?

He encourages them to embrace their unique strengths, seek impact, learn from mistakes, and actively shape their careers by determining who they want to become.