The Snowflake Myth (and many others!)

On Monday I had the pleasure of meeting Alex Atherton, author of The Snowflake Myth.

As a former headteacher, Alex grew tired of hearing his students labelled as ‘snowflakes’ and has used it as his fuel to challenge a multitude of myths surrounding Gen Z, which he lays out in his book in a no nonsense way. Through speaking engagements and work with leadership teams, he helps organisations rethink how they attract, retain and develop young talent.

He not only provides advice but a ton of context.

Much has been written about smartphones, the pandemic and growing up in the aftermath of the financial crisis. What often gets overlooked is that Gen Z is also one of the most educated, health-conscious and entrepreneurial generations yet.

First-class degrees have risen from 7% of graduates in 1995 to 30% today. As a fellow Gen X, I can resonate with Alex’s observations about the lack of pressure at university, where it would not be uncommon to surface at midday, skip lectures and then carry those unheal habits into the workplace - hungover Fridays and lunch time pints were the norm then.

Going to university with the spectre of 10s of thousands of pounds of debt means taking study seriously as many graduates are entering adulthood carrying significant student debt, a sense of impossibility about getting on the housing market and far less job security than previous generations. Is it any wonder that GenZ are supplementing their income with side hustles and second jobs.

My own experience is that Gen Z brings a strong work ethic, leadership, clear values, digital fluency, cultural awareness and a desire to make a meaningful contribution. Levi Pike, our marketing intern, embodies all of those qualities in spades.

Leaders need to recognise that the balance of power has shifted.

Many young professionals have grown up digesting countless corporate scandals, environmental crises and political dysfunction. As a result, they're looking for leaders who demonstrate authenticity, transparency and purpose. They will spot inauthenticity and fakery a mile off.

Gen Z already represents more than a quarter of the workforce and will soon become the largest generation at work. At the same time, many Baby Boomers are staying in work longer, creating workplaces with a 50-year age span.

Alex sees it as an opportunity not a problem.

His advice is to get curious - understand what younger generations are consuming, discussing and what their version of good leadership looks like. In an age where algorithms create separate realities for each of us, curiosity may be the most important leadership skill.

With our collective attention so rarely directed towards a uniting force - maybe this world cup can be it. And winning it, would provide that lift this country so desperately needs as we look to welcome in our 6th PM since Cameron's Brexit exit a decade ago tomorrow.

For anyone working with young talent, The Snowflake Myth is well worth a read.

What has surprised you most about Gen Z?

This post was written by Mark A King. You can follow him here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkingbravo/