3 Out of 4 Managers Struggle to Lead Gen Z. Here's Why | Dr. Tim Elmore

What if the biggest challenge with Gen Z isn't the generation itself, but the way we've been taught to lead?In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Dr. Tim Elmore to unpack one of today's biggest workplace challenges: leading across generations. After spending more than four decades developing emerging leaders and working alongside leadership icon John Maxwell, Tim believes the future of leadership depends less on changing Gen Z and more on changing how leaders communicate, coach, and build trust.Together, they explore why so many organizations struggle to attract and retain younger employees, the myths leaders continue to believe about Gen Z, and how emotional intelligence has become one of the most critical leadership skills in today's workplace.Tim also shares lessons from his own leadership journey, including what he learned working under John Maxwell, how great mentors develop confidence without lowering expectations, and why leaders must shift from leading through authority to leading through connection. Learn more about Dr. Tim Elmore:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtimelmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_elmore/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyelmore/Website: https://www.timelmore.com/ Twitter / X: https://x.com/TimElmore?lang=en Podcast: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/generationsatwork/Book: https://store.maxwellleadership.com/products/tim-elmore-the-future-begins-with-z-nine-strategies-to-lead-generation-z-as-they-disrupt-the-workplaceMentioned in this episode: From Strength to Strength — Arthur BrooksTribe — Sebastian JungerTimestamps:00:00 Why Gen Z Isn't the Real Leadership Problem01:58 Tim Elmore's Leadership Journey & John Maxwell's Influence10:47 Overcoming Insecurity and Learning to Lead with Confidence16:52 Why Every Generation Complains About the Next One21:35 The Hidden Strengths Every Generation Brings to the Workplace29:43 Why Young Professionals Shouldn't Skip the "Small" Jobs36:34 The Biggest Myths About Gen Z Employees44:20 How Companies Lose Their Best Young Talent49:18 The Peter Pan Paradox Explained53:30 Bridge Leadership vs. Badge Leadership58:05 The A.L.E.G. Framework for Better Leadership Conversations1:01:01 Why Leaders Feel Threatened by Younger Employees1:06:29 The PERKS Framework for Hiring and Retaining Gen Z1:11:11 Balancing Empathy with Accountability1:14:40 What Older Leaders Need to Learn from Gen Z1:19:47 Tim's Advice for Gen Z Professionals1:22:52 Rapid Fire Questions1:24:02 The Business Leaders Tim Most Admires1:26:01 One Leadership Belief Tim Changed His Mind About1:28:13 Books Every Leader Should Read1:29:13 A Leadership Quote Every Manager Needs to Hear The discussion also tackles questions…Why do so many managers struggle to lead Gen Z employees?What are the biggest myths about Gen Z in the workplace?Is Gen Z really harder to manage, or do leaders need to change?How can leaders hold younger employees accountable without losing empathy?What does "bridge leadership" mean, and why is it replacing traditional authority?How do you earn trust and influence with younger generations?Why is emotional intelligence more important than technical expertise?How can organizations retain Gen Z employees instead of losing them to entrepreneurship?What leadership lessons did Tim Elmore learn from working alongside John Maxwell?How should managers give difficult feedback to younger employees?Why are younger workers asking for something different than previous generations?How can leaders better communicate across multiple generations?What can older generations learn from Gen Z?What can Gen Z employees do to build trust and credibility early in their careers?How do great leaders balance high expectations with genuine belief in their people?Key takeaways:Leading Gen Z successfully requires leaders to adapt their communication style, not abandon accountability. Emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadership. Many of the biggest myths about Gen Z are based on assumptions rather than conversations. The future of leadership depends on moving from authority-based leadership to relationship-based leadership.Great leaders ask questions before offering solutions. High-performing organizations leverage the strengths of every generation instead of allowing generational differences to become workplace conflict. Young professionals build credibility by demonstrating reliability before seeking greater responsibility. The best leaders combine empathy with accountability. Organizations that empower younger employees to contribute meaningful ideas gain a competitive advantage.Leadership is less about having all the answers and more about continually learning, adapting, and developing others. Similar episodes: The Truth About Narcissistic Leaders | Brandon Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhJAbXqZRQA&t=1s The Leadership Secrets Behind The 4 Disciplines of Execution | Jim Huling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oYkReLpQU&t=4095s Why High Performers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through) | Hilary Porta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTeEcOqZ7lE&t=26s ProductionProduced by: The AGN GroupHost: Angela Gill NelmsProducer: Katie HartTagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com About The AGN Group:At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com. Social Media Channels:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPodTikTok: https://ww...