Gifts for Gen Z Graduates

Bradberry and Greaves, in their great little book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 said the following:

     Of all the people we’ve studied at work, we have
     found that 90 percent of high performers are also 
     high in EQ [emotional intelligence]. On the flip
     side, just 20 percent of low performers are high
     in EQ.  People who develop their EQ tend to be
     successful on the job… [and] make more money--
     an average of $29,000 more per year than people
     with low EQs. The link between EQ and earnings is
     so direct that every point increase in EQ adds
     $1,300 to an annual salary.

While emotional intelligence--which includes skills like self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management--is emerging as critically important for leaders today, given the prevalence of technology, many young people are lacking in these skills. As we head into graduation season, many high school seniors and graduating college students are facing new challenges and opportunities which will require increased emotional intelligence. As leaders, teachers, parents, and mentors, we can encourage them to grow in these important skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Here are a few ideas for helping the graduate in your life:

• Schedule a breakfast or coffee date and just talk about the things that feel overwhelming to the student right now. Ask good open-ended questions. Listen actively. Help them identify strategies or determine goals that will help them thrive through the upcoming transitions in their lives.
• Give them a resource that will help them grow in their self-awareness. Two of my favorite graduation gifts are Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and Clifton Strengths for Students. Both books have self-assessments that are great for Gen Z. Offer to meet with them to discuss their assessment after they have completed it.
• Consider gifting the graduate in your life a coaching session. I enjoy using the IPSAT (Identity Profile Self Awareness Tool) when coaching college students, but there are many options available.

​For more on students and emotional intelligence, check out this month’s episode of The Leading Tomorrow Podcast, where I chat with Gen Z high school graduate, Ariana Chaparro, about self-awareness and self-leadership.

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