"As a millennial supervising a team made up mostly of Gen Z staff, I'm learning that purpose is not a 'perk' for them — it's a requirement. The old model of 'come to work, collect a paycheck, and be grateful' simply doesn't resonate. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, especially in the nonprofit space. They are intentional about protecting their time and energy. They expect leadership to model balance, emotional intelligence, and transparency."
Jenna, Case Management Supervisor at Ecker Center for Behavioral Health (www.eckercenter.org), shared this at a recent Nonprofit Leaders Forum session (www.goodworksresults.com/nonprofitforum).
Managers who support frontline workers, like Jenna, are paying attention. They are modeling the balance their teams expect. They are leading with transparency when uncertainty is high. Purpose is the work, not an afterthought. The teams they lead are stronger because of it.
If you lead a team with Gen Z staff, what shift has made the biggest difference in how you show up as a leader?