From 'Power Over' to 'Power With': The New Leadership Model for Millennials and Gen Z

As a Metaphysical Master in a Millennial Age, I've made it my life's purpose to guide individuals and organizations along an enlightened path. Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that's been on my mind lately - the grand generational shift happening in workplaces across the globe.

The Changing of the Guard

It's no secret that generations are aging. Millennials are approaching middle age (a fact even the New York Times has picked up on), while Gen Z is fully entrenched in the workplace. Meanwhile, many Baby Boomer leaders are transitioning out of their roles, creating a wealth of opportunities for younger generations to step into leadership positions.

But this shift isn't just about changing faces in the C-suite. It represents a fundamental transformation in how we approach work, leadership, and success. As someone deeply embedded in both the corporate world and the realm of personal development, I've observed firsthand the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding this transition.

So let's take a moment to decode the leadership qualities and potential of millennial and Gen Z leaders. Because contrary to popular belief, what some see as our greatest weaknesses are actually our superpowers.

The Myth of the Lazy Millennial

One of the most persistent stereotypes about millennials and Gen Z is that we're lazy. We're accused of having short attention spans, being unable to focus, and lacking the work ethic of previous generations.

But here's the truth: we're not lazy - we're efficient.

We've grown up in a world of rapid technological advancement. We've seen firsthand how AI and automation can streamline processes and free up human potential. So when we look for ways to "work smarter, not harder," it's not out of laziness. It's because we understand the value of our time and energy.

Take the concept of "quiet vacationing" that's been making headlines recently. Some older managers are baffled by the idea of employees working while on vacation instead of taking their full paid time off. But to many of us, this represents the best of both worlds - the ability to contribute meaningfully to our work while also enjoying life experiences.

This isn't about being unable to disconnect. It's about redefining what work-life balance looks like in a digital age. Why shouldn't we be able to collaborate with team members across the globe, or tackle a project while sitting on a beach? The future of work is flexible, and we're at the forefront of that revolution.

The Power of Authenticity

Another criticism often leveled at younger generations is that we're too focused on ourselves, too outspoken, too "real." But in a world drowning in corporate doublespeak and manufactured personas, our authenticity is our greatest asset.

I learned this lesson the hard way early in my career. Fresh out of Harvard Business School, I entered the corporate world with my blonde Afro hair and unapologetic realness. I was quickly told that my appearance was "inappropriate" and violated company policies. It was a deeply wounding experience, but one that ultimately led me to embrace my authentic self even more fiercely.

You see, people are craving authenticity. They're tired of cookie-cutter approaches and sanitized corporate speak. They want real conversations, real solutions, real human connection. And that's exactly what millennials and Gen Z bring to the table.

But here's where we have room to grow: we need to learn how to deliver our truth with compassion and kindness. It's not about softening our message or compromising our values. It's about communicating in a way that opens doors rather than slamming them shut.

This is a skill I'm continually working to master. How can we speak our truth clearly and authentically while also creating space for dialogue and understanding? It's a delicate balance, but one that I believe is crucial for effective leadership in the modern workplace.

Embracing Radical Expression

Perhaps one of the most visible ways millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the workplace is through our approach to self-expression. From vibrant hair colors to visible tattoos, from gender-fluid fashion to unapologetic embracing of our cultural identities, we're challenging long-held notions of what it means to look "professional."

I remember being told early in my career that my natural hair was "unprofessional." Today, I rock braids and crop tops while leading a successful business. This isn't about rebelling against dress codes for the sake of it. It's about creating workplaces where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day.

Think about it: how much creative potential are we stifling when we force everyone into the same cookie-cutter mold? How many talented individuals are we driving away because they don't fit an outdated notion of what a "professional" looks like?

The most innovative companies have already figured this out. They know that diversity - not just in demographics, but in thought, expression, and being - is a competitive advantage. It's time for the rest of the business world to catch up.

Unlocking Hidden Potential

At its core, this generational shift isn't just about changing workplace norms. It's about unlocking hidden potential within our organizations and ourselves.

When we create environments where people can work in ways that align with their natural rhythms and preferences, we boost productivity and creativity. When we allow for authentic self-expression, we foster deeper connections and more meaningful collaborations. When we embrace flexibility, we open ourselves up to global talent pools and diverse perspectives.

This is the essence of what I call the MetaBusiness World - a new paradigm that recognizes the interconnectedness of personal growth, organizational success, and societal progress. It's about digging into the nuanced, often overlooked aspects of how we work and interact to uncover new sources of value and fulfillment.

For example, who would have thought that allowing employees more freedom in their appearance could boost profitability? Or that offering flexible work arrangements could increase loyalty and productivity? These are the hidden levers of organizational success that traditional business models often overlook.

Navigating the Transition

Of course, change is never easy. For many established leaders, the shift towards more flexible, authentic, and empowered workplaces can feel threatening. They've built successful careers on a certain set of rules and expectations, and it's natural to resist when those rules start to change.

But here's the thing: this isn't about throwing out everything that came before. It's about evolution, not revolution. The challenge - and the opportunity - is to blend the best of what previous generations have built with the fresh perspectives and innovative approaches of millennials and Gen Z.

This is where new business structures and practices like Holacracy come into play. This organizational structure, which I've adopted in my own company, emphasizes self-management and distributed authority. It's a way of working that aligns beautifully with millennial and Gen Z values of autonomy, purpose, and collaboration.

In a Holacratic system, everyone has clearly defined roles and responsibilities that exist independently of titles or hierarchies. This creates a more fluid, responsive organization where good ideas can come from anywhere and everyone has the power to make meaningful contributions.

It's a stark contrast to the top-down, command-and-control structures that have dominated business for decades. But in a world that's changing faster than ever, this kind of adaptability and distributed intelligence isn't just nice to have - it's essential for survival.

The Power of "Power With"

One of the most profound shifts I've observed - and one that I believe is key to successfully navigating this generational transition - is the move from "power over" to "power with" leadership models.

"Power over" is the traditional, hierarchical approach to leadership. It's about control, dominance, and top-down decision making. It's the boss who rules by fear, the manager who micromanages every decision, the leader who sees their role as telling others what to do.

"Power with," on the other hand, is collaborative, empowering, and based on mutual respect and shared goals. It's about creating environments where everyone can contribute their best work, where decisions are made based on expertise rather than rank, and where leadership is seen as a service to the team rather than a position of privilege.

This shift mirrors what's happening in other areas of society, from parenting to education to politics. We're moving away from domination-based models towards more cooperative, empowering approaches.

For millennials and Gen Z, this isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a fundamental expectation of how we want to work and be led. We've grown up in a connected world where information flows freely and traditional hierarchies are constantly being challenged. We're not interested in being controlled or dominated - we want to be empowered and enabled.

The Challenge and the Opportunity

As we navigate this transition, there will undoubtedly be challenges. Old habits die hard, and changing deeply ingrained cultural norms takes time and patience.

For millennials and Gen Z stepping into leadership roles, the challenge is to stay true to our values while also finding ways to bridge the gap with older generations. We need to be able to articulate the value of our approach in terms that resonate across generational lines.

For established leaders, the challenge is to open themselves up to new ways of thinking and working. This doesn't mean abandoning everything they've learned or achieved. Instead, it's about being willing to evolve, to listen with an open mind, and to recognize that there might be better ways of doing things.

But with these challenges come immense opportunities. By embracing the strengths of millennial and Gen Z workers - our technological savvy, our desire for meaning and purpose, our commitment to authenticity and self-expression - organizations can unlock new levels of creativity, innovation, and success.

Moreover, by creating workplaces that align with our values, companies can attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive job market. In a world where skilled workers have more choices than ever about where and how they work, culture has become a key differentiator.

The Future is Now

As we look to the future of work, one thing is clear: the change is already happening. Millennials are moving into senior leadership roles. Gen Z is reshaping workplace norms from the ground up. The question isn't whether this shift will occur, but how we'll navigate it.

My challenge to both younger and older generations is this: approach this transition with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. Recognize that we all have something valuable to contribute. Seek to understand before being understood. Be willing to question your assumptions and try new approaches.

For my fellow millennials and Gen Zers, don't be afraid to bring your full, authentic selves to work. Your unique perspective, your creativity, your desire for meaningful work - these are your superpowers. Use them wisely and compassionately.

For those from older generations, I invite you to see this shift not as a threat, but as an opportunity. The energy, idealism, and innovative spirit of younger workers can breathe new life into your organizations and help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Together, we have the power to create workplaces that are not just more productive, but more human. Workplaces where people can thrive, not just survive. Where work is a source of fulfillment and growth, not just a paycheck.

This is the promise of the Meta Business World. It's a future where business success is measured not just in profits, but in human flourishing. Where organizations are forces for positive change in the world. Where work becomes a vehicle for personal and collective evolution.

It's an ambitious vision, to be sure. But as I look at the passion, creativity, and determination of millennials and Gen Z in the workplace, I'm filled with hope and excitement for what we can achieve together.

The future of work is here. Let's embrace it with open arms and open minds. The best is yet to come.

If you want more guidance and insight on how to best empower millennials and Gen Z talent at your organization then book a MetaClarity call with me so we can discuss.

Erin Patten

CEO, The MetaBusiness World

Host, The MetaBusiness Millennial