Dr. Tim Elmore is founder of Growing Leaders (GrowingLeaders.com), an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Since founding Growing Leaders in 2003, Elmore has spoken to over 500,000 leaders in businesses, universities, athletic teams and non-profit organizations, including The Home Depot, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, American Eagle and Chick-fil-A as well as well the San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, the Ohio State University, Stanford University and University of Alabama athletics.
His work grew out of twenty years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell, where he focused on leadership for the emerging generations. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today, and he’s been featured on CNN’s Headline News, Fox Business, Newsmax TV and Fox and Friends to talk about leading multiple generations in the marketplace. Tim was listed in the top 100 leadership speakers in America by Inc. Magazine and gave a TEDx Talk in 2020 about the inverse relationship between technology and emotional intelligence. He has written more than 35 books, including the best-selling Habitudes: Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes. His book, A New Kind of Diversity: Making the Different Generations on Your Team a Competitive Advantage, was released in the fall of 2022. His latest book, The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z As They Upset the Workplace, releases fall of 2025. Tim and his wife, Pam, have two adult children. He and Pam live outside of Atlanta. You can find his work at: TimElmore.com
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z requires a different leadership approach: more listening, coaching, and reverse mentoring
- EPIC communication (Experiential, Participatory, Image-rich, Connected) resonates better with Gen Z
- Developing soft skills/EQ is crucial for Gen Z's success and differentiation in the AI-driven workplace
- Leaders should be "velvet-covered bricks": supportive yet maintaining high standards
Topics
Gen Z Leadership Challenges
- 3 in 4 managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage
- 30% of managers report firing Gen Z employees within the first week
- Gen Z often misperceived as unmotivated, but may have complex personal situations
- Gen Z struggles with soft skills due to extensive screen time during formative years
PERKS Interview/Onboarding Strategy
- Preferences: Discuss job preferences to potentially accommodate
- Expectations: Align expectations to avoid future conflicts
- Requirements: Clarify non-negotiables for both employer and employee
- Keys to their heart: Understand personal motivations and interests
- Salary: Discuss compensation clearly
EPIC Communication Style
- Experiential: Create environments that spark discussion
- Participatory: Involve Gen Z in decision-making for buy-in
- Image-rich: Use visuals to engage and convey complex ideas
- Connected: Foster connections between team members and leaders
Developing Soft Skills in Gen Z
- Frame EQ development as a competitive advantage against AI
- Teach nuanced social awareness (e.g., reading cultural cues)
- Recommend resources like "The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership"
"Velvet Brick" Leadership
- Velvet: Understanding, accepting, supportive
- Brick: Maintaining high standards, not lowering the bar
- Balance responsiveness with demanding excellence
Optimistic Outlook on Gen Z
- View Gen Z challenges as "sandpaper" improving leadership skills
- Historical example: NASA's moon landing led by young professionals (avg. age 27)
- Opportunity for seasoned leaders to mentor while trusting Gen Z with responsibility
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