Building Capacity in Gen Z

What causes young employees to feel overwhelmed or stressed? Why do Gen Zers seem to lack capacity to engage challenges with grit and grace? These are questions that come up repeatedly as we recruit and equip the next gen on our teams and in our organizations.

Mental health, work-life balance, and personal well-being are frequent topics in leadership and management discussions today. Employees often struggle to navigate stressful situations. Younger team members can be especially susceptible to feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or discouraged. So, how can leaders and colleagues support their teams effectively when challenges inevitably arise? Is it possible for teams to thrive despite workplace stress? What does it take to build capacity, especially in our Gen Z teammates?

In this month’s episode of the Leading Tomorrow Podcast, Jolene was joined by Elizabeth Vahey Smith, a Leadership Coach and Consultant. With a background in non-profit and ministry contexts, Elizabeth has seen the impact stress can have on those who are serving others. She set out to research why some individuals can thrive despite difficult circumstances, and others seem to feel overwhelmed quickly. In her research, Elizabeth identified important factors that help individuals and teams thrive, even when work is stressful. She developed the RISE Capacity Model (Reset Tactics, Initiative, Social Support, and Systemic Efficacy) around these findings:

• Reset Tactics: Young people live in a world of highlight reels and unrealistic expectations. They often need strategies that help them adopt a healthy mental framework when mistakes occur or they are still learning. Coaching around this is helpful.
• Initiative: The environment around Gen Z has not always fostered intrinsic motivation and a sense of self-efficacy. They may need training to help develop initiative.
• Social Support: The next gen wants to please. If they feel others are frustrated or judgmental when they lack knowledge, skills, or experience, it can be demoralizing. However, when there is strong social support and encouragement young people can thrive even under pressure and stress!
• Systemic Efficacy: What is evident to older generations in our organizational systems is often invisible or confusing to Gen Z. Having specific guidance, directions, and mentoring are some tools that can help them engage systems they are a part of effectively.

To learn more about the RISE Capacity Model, check out this month’s episode of The Leading Tomorrow Podcast or access Elizabeth Vahey Smith’s free training on the topic.