The Apprentice module of Understudy versus The Gen Z prototype of No Stress: Why we Need Grit

Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the Igbo apprenticeship system, where young men would learn a trade from a master, often a family member or community leader. It was tough. They worked long hours, running errands, learning every aspect of the business—no task was too small. They were expected to persevere, stay loyal, and push through difficulties. After several years, once they proved their worth, they were given the resources and connections to start their businesses.

This system built generations of successful entrepreneurs, many of whom are now leaders in industries across the country. The secret behind this? Grit—the ability to stick with something, work through challenges, and come out stronger.

The Apprentice Model: Learning by Doing

For decades, the traditional model of "understudy" has been the backbone of career development.? The output with understanding is priceless. You learn by doing, shadowing, putting in long hours, and embracing the grind. This apprenticeship wasn’t just about mastering the technical aspects of a job—it was about cultivating resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills in the face of challenges.

Most people who knew what it meant? enrolled in it for career development? and even when this was more common among non-corporate roles it became clearer that the results from this were more rewarding?

Though this model might seem outdated to some, it teaches one crucial skill that technology or shortcuts can’t replace—grit. The ability to push through, adapt, and grow despite difficulties is what separates good professionals from great ones.

The Igbo Apprenticeship Model: A Lesson in Grit

The Igbo apprenticeship system wasn’t just about learning a skill. It was about building character, resilience, and a deep understanding of how to solve problems on the fly. It taught young people how to handle failure, manage customers, and run a business from the ground up. More importantly, it showed them that success doesn’t come easy. You had to put in the work, and that’s where grit came in. Statistics show most who had served as apprentices had more street knowledge and street social capital and could exchange this knowledge for goodwill which can be converted into monetary rewards compared to expectations from white-collar employers who could be narrow-minded as to what capital could mean. Newsflash? The apprentice isn't just open to brown or blue-collar? roles but are mainstream? collaborative skills needed?

The Gen Z Approach: No Stress, Just Flow

Fast forward to today. Gen Z, with all the digital tools at their disposal, has a different take on work. They’re not interested in spending years grinding away in silence. They want flexibility, creativity, and to make an impact right now. They value mental health, work-life balance, and purpose-driven work.

While technology and creativity can open doors, the path to real success—whether in entrepreneurship, a corporate career, or personal growth—still requires resilience. You’ll still face setbacks, challenges, and failures. Grit is what will get you through those tough moments.

The Gen Z Prototype: No Stress, Just Flow

Gen Z has a different approach, often opting for a more fluid, no-stress career path where creativity and innovation take center stage. This generation is the first to grow up fully digital, with limitless access to information and opportunities.

They don’t see the point of unnecessary hustle when technology can simplify so much. We have heard different conversations? from HR Professionals on how employees resigned on Twitter? or the recent one we saw circulating today one who was corrected for letting the company lose some money and had to resign ( after citing mental health as a reason

While this mindset has produced a generation that’s quick to adapt, creative, and unafraid to challenge the status quo, there’s a danger of losing the value of grit. Innovation and disruption are great, but the truth is, that any path to real success will always involve moments of struggle and perseverance.

Grit isn't suffering. Grit is patience to understudy after reading everything you are exposed to. Grit at work is sticking it when you are clueless but certain because you have seen it work with your boss or mentor that you can pull it off again more reason why working in silos and isolation could be detrimental in the long run

Grit is a must for us hence our team is co-creating workshops for the Next generation at work because of the change in the workplace.

Let’s Make This a Movement

We’re not just building a series; we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to excellence. Together, we can make our workplaces more dynamic, productive, and fulfilling.

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing how you’re putting these strategies into action.

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.Charles Umeh is a Global – leadership author and Thought leader well-known for improving and helping the next generation in the workplace. He uses the tools of books, workshops, and knowledge events to achieve these goals. He has written and co-written six books on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

His TED Talk Think Like a changemaker is a clarion call for the next generation to align with their work and calling. Charles works with teams and executives both as a shadow board and as a Third opinion for corporates and individuals his newest book Redefining Talent Redefining Talent E-copy addresses the human skills challenge for the Executives and HR leading the next generation at work. He produces and hosts the btcshow .

Charles works with teams and executives both as a shadow board and as a Third opinion for corporates and individuals his newest book Redefining Talent addresses the human skills challenge for the Executives and HR leading the next generation at work. He produces and hosts the btcshow a reservoir of knowledge for the upward mobile and next-generation entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs You should subscribe

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