The Good Leader According to Generation Z

The Good Leader According to Generation ZA good leader is important to Generation Z. According to our 2023 UVAX data, 86 percent of young people believe it is ‘very important’ for a company to have a good leader. Zero percent think it’s not important. Our data has spoken: companies must have a good leader before young people are willing to work there. But how do you become a good leader?

 

According to our 2023 UVAX data, a good leader is the most important trait for the company where young people want to work. In fact, the good leader scored 8.9 on a scale of 1 to 10. There is no doubt that young people know what they want – they want a good leader.

 

How do you become a good leader?

Based on our UVAX knowledge, here are three pieces of advice for those who want to be the very best leader for their students and employees.

In reality, these are three very simple tips. But during the busy workday, you may forget them – so here they are.

1. See the student as a person

In our 2023 UVAX survey "Young People's Choice of Apprenticeship," we asked young people to characterize a good apprenticeship or training place. The most important characteristic was that the leader must see the student as a person.

It’s especially about the relationship you build with the student. The apprentice or trainee is there to learn, and you should keep that in mind when speaking to them. It’s important to show respect for the student and not just see them as cheap labor.

They are a person with interests, feelings, opinions, and beliefs. It’s important for the student that you take an interest in them. Ask how they are doing – both at work and at home. Make sure they feel seen, heard, and part of the community.    

Read also: Well-being: What is it - and how can you improve it?

 

2. Dare to give responsibility to the student

The second most important characteristic of a good apprenticeship or training place, according to young people, was that the leader must dare to give responsibility to the student. As a leader, remember that the student is there to learn. And the best way to learn is through hands-on experience.

Therefore, it’s important that the student gets the chance to try things in practice and is given tasks with responsibility so they feel like they are learning something. But also make sure to prepare the student well for the task, so they don’t feel like they’re being thrown in at the deep end.

Remember, the student is probably new to the field, so there will likely be a few questions along the way – and that’s perfectly normal!

 

3. Have open dialogues with the student

Last but not least, it’s important to have open dialogues with the student. Talk with them and listen to what they think about the work. Does the student feel confident? Or are there areas where they need a little extra explanation and help? Are there perhaps areas where the student would like the opportunity to take on more responsibility?

When you talk with your student, you also gain a better opportunity to anticipate potential challenges and help guide the student successfully. 

 

Bonus: Lower dropout rates

Being a good leader for young people has many benefits. One great example is lower dropout rates. A good leader helps create a safe workplace for students, contributing to their completion of their education – which strengthens their attachment to the company.

Another bonus is that young students will tell their friends about their great workplace. In this way, a good leader can also help attract new students.

Read also: Retention is the New Attraction

There are many advantages to focusing on becoming a good leader for Generation Z. And who wouldn’t want to create a great workplace for their employees?