Gen Z Gets Muzzled
Warren Wright
Founder & CEO at Second Wave Learning / Author, Keynote Speaker on Generational Inclusion, Global Culture Shifts, and Workplace Trends
The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it."?
– George Orwell
[This is an excerpt from my C-Suite Newswire]
The other day, I ordered Advil on Amazon, and it came to my door two hours later. There is a fine line between speedy and creepy. Did Jeff Bezos know I had a headache??
Here in Washington DC, the speed of change is causing a collective headache. Thousands have lost their job. Many of the smartest, most capable people I know. They were doing work that kept our country safe and competitive. This is a huge loss for our country.?
Don’t get me wrong—steamrolling change can be the only way to unglue crusty paradigms. And often, there is collateral damage. But where is the line between “necessary” pain and recklessness? We will find out in a couple of years. I’m not optimistic.?
In the meantime, one remarkable effect this is having is a near total evaporation of trust in the workplace. In a new study by Randstad, employees are being more secretive at work, especially Gen Z. Trust has tanked. New message for Gen Z – keep your mouth shut and your head down. Don’t share anything that will get you in trouble. Especially about your values and deeply held beliefs.?
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The big irony here is that “bringing your whole self to work” is a Gen Z mantra. According to a McKinsey study, Gen Z was the only generation that considered 'meaning' as a key reason to take, keep or quit a job. More than other workers, Gen Z wants to make a difference.
Anecdotally, a college graduate I know was gently cautioned by a hiring manager to take out the words “sustainability” and “climate change” on their resume if they wanted to be considered for a job.?
As a workplace consultant, I would recommend you “break” the muzzling trend so you can attract and retain the best and the brightest. Be explicit about your commitment to the diversity of opinions where you encourage inclusion as a value. In a world where trust is a rare commodity, be the company that encourages it, and the best and brightest will knock on your door faster than an Advil delivery.?
Truth. Trust. Engagement.?
Warren?
Great article. 'where is the line between “necessary” pain and recklessness? We will find out in a couple of years.' Indeed!! I feel for all of us who have been encouraged and have encouraged others to 'bring their whole self to work' and now are being 'muzzled'! It does take courage to be an organization that still encourages that, and I fully agree that it's the best way to build trust in the workplace. I hope that many organizations listen to this advice.
Shepherding Organizational Challenges
1 个月Nicely sliced, Warren. I always appreciate your keen insights. I believe that individually we tested on the 'realness' of our values, especially after we declare them; this might be Gen Z's test. Tests highlight competing values, such as wanting peace and wanting personal meaning. I see your challenge to organizations to break the muzzling trend and I raise you one to early career professionals to articulate their stance on the value of individual good vs the value of community good.
Chief Client Experience Officer at Truist Insurance Holdings, Inc (Retired) Advisory Council GW School of Business Customer Experience Executive Certificate Program
1 个月Very well said Warren - a great perspective