Dear Gen Z

Harness these three skills, and you’ll be the most unstoppable “Zoomer” of your generation.

Dear Gen Z,

I’m writing to encourage you. Unfortunately, the generation before you (Millennials) has gotten a bad rap over the last decade, specifically regarding workplace stereotypes. 

You’re probably in for the same, as my generation and the ones before us are getting older and crankier by the minute. Has there ever been a generation that thinks the next one is better? No. I’m sure it harkens back to the caveman days when an arising next generation meant you would soon be out of the clan and dying by the side of a putrid river.

But I want you to ignore them for the moment because, you see, I’m convinced that the opportunity to stand out in your generation is monumental. In fact, I argue that learning three simple skills will put you so far ahead of your fellow Zoomers that you’ll lead the way for decades. And I think these three things will be so scarce in your generation that even doing them marginally well will catapult you to success.

So, are you ready? Are you ready to peer into the crystal ball for the Gen Z playbook?

Well, let’s go!

Skill 1: Engage in Difficult Face-to-Face Conversations

Let’s be honest; your generation does not like to talk face-to-face. Even small talk. In fact, you don’t even want to call a business to ask if they’re open on a specific day! If you can’t just ‘do it online,’ you’re out.

This isn’t your fault. Your parents rarely put you in uncomfortable situations and let you stand on your own two feet. Never has a generation been more protected from personal growth.

But I tell you this: if you’re willing to expose yourself to difficult conversations and learn to embrace them as a growth mechanism, you will be a Zoomer unicorn.

But how, you ask? It’s simple: take every opportunity to talk face-to-face. Instead of emailing the school administrator, go talk to her. Instead of applying for that part-time job online, walk in. (Or do both!) Instead of texting your girlfriend, actually take her out!

The more conversations you have, the easier they’ll get. Then you can segway into more difficult conversations. Soon, you’ll be known as the guy or girl who can smooth things out, bring peace, and fix a problematic situation, leading us to Skill #2…

Skill 2: Take Responsibility

Your generation has become incredible escape artists. The way you can slink into the background when stuff needs to happen is chameleon-like. Even your post-COVID mask-wearing is an attempt to fly under the radar, not be bothered, and shield yourself from the world and its responsibilities.

But do you realize the opportunity here?

If you build a reputation as someone who takes ownership of that with which you engage, sees it through, and solves problems along the way, you’ll be a freakin’ all-star!

And remember, fault and responsibility are two different things. Fault means you caused it. Responsibility means you’re going to fix it (your fault or not). 

So how do you build this skill? Look for things to fix. Even small, inconsequential things. I’m talking about silly things. Walking into the thrift store? See that Dutch Bros. cup lying on the ground? The one everyone else is literally stepping over as they walk in? Pick it up. Throw it away. It sounds dumb, but it starts with the smallest of things.

Pretty soon, you’ll be noticing other things. And you’ll be raising your hand to fix them. And then, when something truly is your fault, you’ll not spare a moment to make it right. And now you are a Gen Z superhero because I guarantee you 99 out of 100 Zoomers will not do this.

Skill 3: Be Willing to Work Outside of the Home

You spent many formative years “learning” in front of a screen. We robbed you of two years of social development, peer engagement, and just “getting out of the house” right when you needed it the most. Let me be clear: we failed you. And we’re going to be paying the price for decades.

Many of our generation also lost our desire to work away from home. Thus, many of you have seen your parents fight, scratch, and claw for the ability to work from home, often not because it’s productive but because it’s more convenient.

So it’s no wonder a significant portion of you will want to work remotely.

But let me tell you this: if you prove yourself as a person who wants to collaborate in person, who is willing to do a little commuting/traveling, and who is ready and present on time and consistently, you will stand out. I have no doubt about that.

Think about it. You’re part of a generation where you’ll be an all-star if you show up and execute. I mean it. Simply showing up and performing at an average level will put you in the top 5%. I guarantee it.

How do you learn this? Well, it’s as easy as the others: Just show up. Show up to class. Show up to work. Show up to social events. Show up to the church. Just go. And be on time. And be ready to engage. That’s it. Just doing that will lay a foundation for success in this area.

So there you go, Gen Z. Learn these three skills, and you’ll be an outlier.

I admit, I envy you a bit. It’s wild to think that doing these three things can put you so far ahead of an entire generation. Not long ago, these things were considered a given, the price of entry; now, they are special and unique.

So take advantage of this opportunity. Ignore your lame parents who give you a free pass, do everything for you, and protect you from dark forces that exist only in their heads. Yes, ignore Gen X. Maybe that’s Skill #4…

Books of Note: Occasionally, I’m asked for a short list of my favorite books. One that you’ve never heard of that always makes the list is Arms of Krupp by William Manchester. Equal parts business biography and survey of European History, it tells the story of the company that armed a warring Germany for more than a century. Fascinating.

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