Crash Course Mentoring (and Parenting) Gen Z

I know I am not alone in this, so let me tell you, as a parent of a Gen Z daughter, I’ve faced my fair share of "eye rolls" and “ugh, mom please” moments. And no, I’m not talking about something as scandalous as asking her to gasp put her phone down for dinner! But here's the twist: these moments have become windows into the mind of a generation that’s wired differently—literally and figuratively.

Having a Gen Z daughter isn’t just a full-time gig at home; it’s my crash course on how to relate to my Gen Z clients, mentees, and colleagues. Whether it’s decoding their love for creativity or their genuine passion for activism, I’ve come to see that the same values driving these Gen Z's social media habits are showing up in the workplace.

Authenticity and growth are not just buzzwords for them—they’re non-negotiables

Authenticity: The "No Filter" Approach

I remember a particular moment during a strategy session with a Gen Z mentee that truly highlighted their obsession with authenticity. We were mid-way through discussing narrative options when she suddenly interrupted her own trail of thought, paused, and said, “Wait—are we just saying this because it sounds good? Or is this the story we really want to tell?”

Her ability to stop herself in real-time and question the authenticity of our approach left an impression on me. It wasn’t about what would sell or what looked the most polished—it was about being genuine. For her, anything that wasn’t 100% real felt hollow. That moment forced me to rethink how I was guiding the conversation. It wasn’t about perfecting the message to look flawless on paper, but about making sure it actually meant something, not just to the audience, but to her as a creator.

This kind of self-interruption is something I see more often with Gen Z clients—they're hyper-aware of when things start to feel "off" or superficial. They have this internal radar that steers them back to what feels real, whether in branding or personal interactions. It’s a stark contrast to the "fake it till you make it" mentality I saw with other generations.

Growth: The Quest for Constant Evolution

Growth is another core value I’ve seen across all my interactions with Gen Z team. They’re always striving to better themselves, learn new skills, and make meaningful impacts. Just last week, one of my younger mentees confided in me, “I don’t just want to do a job, I want to grow with it.” It struck me that, for them, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder but about personal development and evolving with purpose.

Even my daughter approaches life this way—always looking to improve and find the next thing to explore, whether it’s in arts, writing, music, or even grappling with global issues like astrophysics or cryptology. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about continual, holistic growth and uncovering potential.

But here’s the kicker: I’ve noticed this drive for growth often comes from a place of economic uncertainty. Many Gen Zers witnessed their parents (including me!) navigating financial crises or job insecurity, and they are laser-focused on future-proofing their own careers.

In fact, I think it’s this exposure to instability that has honed their relentless desire for learning and self-sufficiency.

So What Does It All Mean?

I’ve had to adjust how I mentor and manage Gen Z, as their approach is radically different from what I’ve seen in other generations. They want employers, mentors, and colleagues to be real, not just polished. They want room to grow, but in ways that offer substance—not just promotion for the sake of it. Understanding these values helps me bridge the gap between generations, whether it’s at home with my daughter or in a professional setting with clients, colleagues, and mentees.

Reflective Coaching Questions for Leaders and Parents

For those of you navigating relationships with Gen Zers, whether as a parent or leader, here are some questions to help reflect on how you can be an active participant in fostering authenticity and growth in this generation:

For Leaders:

1. How can I ensure my communication with my Gen Z team members is more genuine?
2. Am I creating an environment where Gen Z employees feel comfortable challenging narratives that don't feel real to them?
3. How can I model authenticity in my leadership?
4. What space am I providing for meaningful growth beyond promotions and titles?

For Parents:

1. How can I better support my child’s need for authenticity in their personal choices (career, hobbies, friendships)?
2. Am I providing a safe space for my child to question narratives they don’t believe in, without judgment?
3. How do I model personal growth in my own life?

Call to Action: What About You?

Now, reflecting on how Gen Z values authenticity and growth, I’m curious—how do you, as a leader or parent, foster an environment where they feel free to call out what feels hollow? Whether in a boardroom or around the dinner table, how do you cultivate spaces for honest expression, allowing for disruption when the narrative doesn’t feel right?

Think about the young people in your life—your team members, your children, nieces, or nephews. How are they influencing the way you think about authenticity and growth, and how can you actively support their drive to make meaningful change?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what are you doing to bridge the authenticity gap with Gen Z?