By 2030, it is expected that Gen Z (those born between the mid-90s to early 2000s) will make up a third of our workforce. By 2040, this generation will hold influential leadership positions in leading organisations across the globe. So the question arises, how these Gen-Zs are going to fare once they become the leaders of their organisation? 

SHL, in association with Adecco, released a report where they researched on the leadership capabilities of the Gen-Z in the modern world of work.  The study gained insight using SHL’s situational judgment test (SJTs) to demonstrate this cohort’s workplace behaviours including their ability to initiate action, work with people, network, innovate, deliver results for customers, and adapt to change.

“In the brave new workplace, the onus is on employers to create jobs and environments that can compete not just with other employers but with the entrepreneurial mindset. The current business ecosystem is witnessing the brilliance of young leaders. From this study, we know that Gen Z can offer smart, creative, and well-researched outputs. Their unique skills are critical for overcoming the workplace challenges to be the future leaders in the ever-changing world.” said Sushant Dwivedy, Managing Director (India and Philippines), SHL

According to the report, Gen Z are adept at thinking critically and using this skill to effectively solve problems. This has become even more valuable in an increasingly uncertain working landscape with Gen-Zs showing 60% more ability to deduction reasoning, setting them apart from the usual leaders.

As per Gen-Zs behavorial style, 55% have intellectual capability to be effective problem solvers, but that they are also able to both challenge and solve business problems in an innovative way.

It is also found that Gen Z’s cognitive diversity – the difference among us due to our life experiences, worldview, and how we process information – can be leveraged for high potential and leadership positions in the future.

The top three leadership challenges they wil face and ace would be - 

• Delivering high profit margins
• Delivering rapidly changing products, services, and processes
• Delivering in risk-averse contexts

“The current business ecosystem is witnessing the brilliance of young leaders. Their unique skills are critical for overcoming workplace challenges in the post-covid world. We know from this study that Gen Z can offer sound, creative, and well-researched outputs,” said Matt Kirk, Solutions Owner for Talent Acquisition at SHL.