The Real Deal on Gen Z: What I Learned from Today's Generation of Undergrads

Buckle up, Boomers and Millennials: We've Got a Lot to Learn From Gen Z

You've probably heard the rumors, right? Gen Z is a bunch of screen-addicted, socially awkward, apathetic beings who can't look up from their TikTok feed long enough to say "hello." Well, folks, as a top-ranked global thought leader in the future of work and leadership who recently ventured back into the realm of higher education, I'm here to deliver some news: the clichés are as outdated as a rotary phone..

Not Just "In Class"—They're Engaged

The first thing that struck me as remarkable when I walked into that undergrad classroom was the level of engagement. And I don't mean just showing up. We're talking about a room filled with hungry minds—students itching to ask questions, challenge norms, and dive into complex debates.

Ah, the curiosity. You could almost see the cogs turning in their brains as they delved into the subject matter. This wasn't your average crowd of clock-watchers counting the minutes until they could escape. No, this was an audience genuinely invested in the "here and now."

Polite? You Bet!

Before we dive deeper, let's debunk one of the most pervasive myths about Gen Z—that they're impolite. Let me tell you, as someone who interacts with people across generations, many of my Baby Boomer peers could learn a thing or two about courtesy from these youngsters. A harmonious symphony of "thank yous" serenading me as students shuffled off out of the room to their next class. Didn't see that coming. Doors graciously held open as if I were royalty when I entered buildings, and another round of “thank yous” when I reciprocated. Totally off-script. From attentive listening to asking thought-provoking questions, these students were surprisingly courteous, personable, and polite.

Breaking the Screen Stereotype

Walking around campus, something extraordinary happened: I was greeted with warm hellos and genuine questions from students who were—wait for it—not looking at their phones. If my jaw could have hit the floor without causing a scene, it would have.

I mean, what's next? Will they start reading newspapers and discussing the weather?

The Alumni Weekend Revelation

As if the classroom experience wasn't already upending stereotypes, the alumni weekend sealed the deal. Alongside my lovely wife, I felt genuinely welcomed by these gracious students. Doors held open, in-depth meaningful conversations initiated, and an overall atmosphere of inclusivity prevailed.

Reality Check: No Generation is a Monolith

But let's get real for a moment. I can almost hear the skeptics saying, "Come on, it can't be all sunshine and rainbows!" And you'd be right—every classroom and gathering has its outliers. Of course, there were a few screen gazers, seemingly engrossed in some virtual universe I'm not hip enough to understand. And yes, a couple of students seemed to be operating out of a mysterious alternate universe where class engagement is as rare as a rotary phone in a WeWork space.

But let's add a dash of realism to this heady brew, shall we? Find me a generation without its dreamers, its rule-benders, and its enigmatic lone wolves. Seriously, I double-dog dare you. You're more likely to find a needle in a haystack doing interpretive dance than a generation without its quirks.

So while not every Gen Z'er in the room ignites the engagement meter, the vast majority do—and they do it with panache. And if you're still clinging to the notion that this generation is lacking, maybe it's time to update your perception software. Because, let's face it, even the greatest hits albums have a few tracks you'd rather skip.

Final Thoughts: More than Just Emojis

So, why does this matter? We're in an era where the workplace is transforming rapidly, and guess who's going to be steering that ship? That's right—this amazingly engaged, curious, polite, and participative cohort we call Gen Z.

If my classroom experience is any indicator, the future of work is in excellent hands. And if you think otherwise, you may just be holding onto a perception that's as out-of-date as believing bell-bottoms are making a comeback. (Spoiler: They're not.)

So, let's put the stereotypes to bed and give Gen Z the credit they so rightfully deserve. They're not just our future; they're our now. And they're pretty darn awesome at it.