At a recent business meeting, I encountered a young woman whose leadership energy was undeniable. She radiated confidence, spoke with conviction, and clearly had the drive to influence and inspire. Yet, as the conversation progressed, her potential was overshadowed by two challenges: she believed she was the smartest person in the room, and her emotions often erupted unchecked. These behaviors, if not addressed, sabotage leadership and future opportunities. (Note: Gen Z was born between 1997 and 2012.)
The Promise Gen Z Leaders Bring
Gen Z is reshaping the leadership landscape. They are:
- Innovative thinkers who embrace technology and fresh ideas.
- Fearless voices willing to challenge norms and disrupt traditional hierarchies.
- Authentic leaders who want their work to align with values and purpose.
This generation’s leadership spirit is a powerful force. But like any force, it requires balance.
The Leadership Growth Required
In this meeting, the young woman’s expertise was undermined by behaviors that eroded her credibility:
- Intellectual arrogance: She dismissed others’ perspectives, assuming her ideas were superior.
- Emotional outbursts: She interrupted peers, grew visibly angry at senior leaders, and failed to regulate her reactions.
- Damaged trust: These actions created tension, making collaboration difficult, and diminishing her professional presence.
Several of the leaders in the room questioned whether the young woman had the professional ability (and maturity) to be in the business conversation they had been having.
Lessons for Emerging Leaders
As bosses and leaders, Gen Z’s leadership drive must be paired with emotional maturity.
Key lessons include:
- Humility as strength: Listening actively and respecting others’ contributions builds influence.
- Emotional intelligence: Patience, empathy, and composure are essential for leadership.
- Client and team relationships: Influence comes from guiding, not dictating. People respond to partnership, not control.
- Professional presence: Credibility grows when passion is expressed with respect and balance. Using appropriate brag metrics provides influence.
- Develop a win-win-win mindset: Learning how to create bridges instead of burning them is critical, especially for Gen Zs. They have a long career ahead of them. They will never know when the person they dissed or company leader they offended is in a position to hire or promote them, or do business with their company. While they may say they “don’t care,” someday, they will.
Guidance for Mentors and Coaches
Seasoned professionals play a vital role in shaping Gen Z leaders now and in the future:
- Offer constructive feedback that redirects energy without diminishing confidence.
- Model calm collaboration so younger leaders can see composure in action.
- Create safe learning spaces where mistakes become opportunities for growth rather than career‑ending missteps.
- Offer workshops and other training (e.g., videos) where the person can learn how to offer ideas without dominating the conversation or alienating others. Providing a job fit assessment leadership report can also provide important insights.
A leadership spirit is a gift. But without humility and emotional intelligence, it will cause self‑sabotage. The young woman I met has the raw talent to succeed, but her journey will depend on whether she learns to balance confidence with respect, and passion with patience.
For Gen Z leaders, the challenge is not just to step forward boldly, but to grow wise enough to make your leadership sustainable and be coachable.
Very Important Note: Having coached and mentored a number of people who are now older and more experienced, many-faced similar challenges early in their careers, including being fired. I strongly encourage bosses and leaders to provide counsel that helps these individuals strengthen their people, communication, and facilitation skills. Doing so ensures you won’t lose their drive, innovative ideas, and fearless voices, and in turn, these individuals will continue to grow, contribute, and thrive.
©Jeannette Seibly 2025 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, has guided thousands of executives and business leaders to achieve remarkable success over the past 33 years. Her specialty is delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges—with excellence and accountability at the core.
Do you have employees that need help with their leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, including Gen Z? It’s time to contact me and develop a program that supports everyone’s success.