Different generations perceive leadership differently.
An American business man, Raymond Albert Kroc once said that “the quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” While leaders of distinct generations agree with this statement, their view in terms of what standards and values are most admired differs.
Centuries ago, being a great leader was determined by the ability to control the largest land and having a substantial army and tools that other nations or groups did not have. Power, treasures and strategical planning were most valued, while empathy, care and softness symbolized weakness. As the years went by, leaders and politicians such as Adolf Hitler embraced the path that the predecessors laid, so he continued exhibiting similar behaviors as in the Ancient History and attempted to control territories through coercive manners. As the years went by, such behavior started to dissipate, but was never fully lost. Since the older generation is more accustomed with the idea that a leader should be more bitter than sensitive in order to impose authority, maltreatment of subordinates is still used nowadays in many industries around the world. Such tactics of leadership raise frequent conflicts in jobs where baby boomers or traditionalists and millennials have to work together. While the older generation believes that exhibiting leadership through raising the voice or threatening is an effective technique, the younger generation tends to listen and respect more those with emotional intelligence.
A recent study conducted by Censuswide and published on September 13th, 2018 revealed that “58% of young people say that listening or empathy are the most important leadership traits,” while less than “10% chose discipline, dominance or ruthlessness as desired leadership traits.” In addition, the study showed that famous leaders, such as Barack Obama, Bill Gates or Gareth Southgate, who were more involved with the community and exhibited selflessness, were “voted as young people’s most admired leaders.”
When it comes to baby boomers, their belief is that leadership comes automatically with the position. Based on personal interview, they believe that a great leader should be able to maintain their legitimate power, should be able to control subordinates and be omnipresent. Nevertheless, they tend to believe that respect is not necessarily earned, but rather stands in the societal position of an individual.
A change can be seen when interviewing Generation X people which believe that leadership does not stand necessarily in the legitimate position and omnipresence, but rather in determination, commitment and earned respect. Another observation can be made in terms of technological development. While baby boomers seem to be overwhelmed by it, Generation X is more open to innovation and creative thinking.
Interviewing millennials is a totally different chapter. Their views of leadership are less and less similar to those of baby boomers. They believe very little in leadership that comes from the position of an individual within society, but rather sees everyone as equal. In their eyes, a leader should exhibit emotional intelligence, authenticity, integrity and humility. In addition, millennials saw technology booming under their eyes, so they are very open-minded to creativity, therefore they value a leader who is willing to listen to their ideas and possibly implement them to make a difference in the world. By being inclined to work together and enact new projects, millennials also admire courage in a leader as well as the tendency to work as a team.
When interviewing Generation Z, a big discrepancy in values can be observed compared to baby boomers, but somewhat similar to millennials’ views. They do not believe that leadership comes with the position, but rather it is earned through motivational practices and understanding of each other. Some of the most outstanding values include equality, integrity, responsibility and good behavioral conduct. They feel threatened by very authoritative managers and they tend to disregard something if said in a rude manner. Generation Z individuals value a leader who does not exhibit superiority, but guides the path and sets examples by working hand in hand with subordinates. Nevertheless, the latest generation grew up with the most innovative technology and they strongly stand by the idea that work effectiveness lays in using the latest tools available. Having said that, they value leaders who share this belief and are fully willing to introduce technology in their daily activities.
While certain values, when it comes to great leadership, have changed over the years, respect has been always present, but interpreted in different ways. Showing determination and being open-minded is still a common shared value among multiple generations. The distinction is mainly observed in how the generations view discipline, dominance or ruthlessness. While the older generation is more inclined to follow orders through coerciveness, the latest generation is inclined to respect leaders that exhibit emotional intelligence. Relating it to Raymond Kroc’s statement, young generations are more influenced by leaders who have the ability to show high integrity and morals. Nevertheless, when given the quote “a leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way” by John C. Maxwell, many millennials and Generation Z individuals seemed to agree more than baby boomers or Generation X individuals, ultimately summarizing the values they admire the most in a leader.
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