Is your leadership as dated as the superbowl halftime show? 🏈
How amazing was it to see legendary performers such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige at the Super Bowl halftime show this year?
Well, it actually depends on who you ask.
As hilarious as it was to see all the videos of parents going absolutely crazy while their children sat awkwardly in the corner wondering what is happening to their parents, it did bring to light the stark differences between generations. Although there was a certain demographic that was brought back to the way things used to be, it left the younger demographic feeling confused and isolated.
It’s no surprise that as younger generations enter the workforce, how we manage or lead tends to change. Gen Z has really changed the way the workforce functions, and it’s forced employers to adapt how they communicate, manage and lead. Although the foundations of leadership don’t change, the application does - this is called situational leadership.
I remember having a client call recently where we were all head nodding on what leadership and management SHOULD be. When we got off the call suddenly I thought wait - are WE the ones that are out of touch? (For non-Gen Z, this is a meme reference to the Simpsons).
It’s time to check yo self before you wreck yo self. (for Gen z, this is a reference to the rapper Ice Cube - or as you may know him, the actor Ice Cube).
So how do you stay relevant?
Don’t try to BE like them, but understand that they haven’t had your experience - try to understand theirs.
Listen to learn, without judgement.
Remember how CRAZY wearing jeans to work was not only 10 years ago.
Remember how IMPOSSIBLE it was to build teams remotely only 2 years ago.
The nature of work is quickly changing, and with that comes the expectations of leaders to change with it.
‘The word ‘Boss’ has a whole new meaning. You are now feeling more like a therapist, friend, coach, and even potentially an out-of-date older sibling.
Some things stand the test of time - like Snoop Dogg’s crip walk, for example. The fundamentals of leadership are not changing anytime soon, and one of the main reasons for that is that they are adaptive. We are facing a workforce that is more focused on finding purpose and value in their work, and being able to thrive as an individual while also being a contributing team member. As a leader, you have all the tools to nurture this and help it thrive. All it takes is a better understanding of the people around you - and knowing deep down that despite their experiences, you know that was the greatest Super Bowl halftime show of all time.