Striking the Balance: How Leaders Can Empower Gen Z Teams

One of our most significant challenges as leaders is finding the right way to support and motivate our teams—especially when working with Gen Z. Recently, I came across a diagram by David Yeager that perfectly captured the roles leaders can play in the lives of their team members. It feels particularly relevant to the dynamic needs of this emerging generation. It outlines four approaches, each reflecting a balance (or imbalance) of standards and support.

4 Leadership Approaches

Adapted from: Yeager, D.S. (2024). 10 to 25: The science of motivating young people. Avid Reader Press (Imprint of Simon and Schuster).

The Four Leadership Approaches

1. The Disengaged Leader
   This is the quadrant where neither high standards nor high support exist. It is a disengaged approach; frankly, no leader should ever want to occupy it. Gen Z thrives on purpose and connection, so a disengaged leadership style can cause them to disengage or move on quickly.

2. The Nurturing Leader
   In this quadrant, the leader offers high support but sets low standards. The mindset here is often, “I care more about you as a person than about your performance.” While this stems from a place of compassion, it can unintentionally communicate to team members that they can’t handle challenges or achieve excellence. This approach can hinder growth and development, leaving Gen Z employees unprepared for higher-level responsibilities.

3. The Authoritarian Leader
   Leaders in this quadrant uphold high standards but provide little support. This approach emphasizes discipline and outcomes, often at the expense of connection and morale. While Gen Z can meet high expectations, they also value a supportive environment. Without it, they may feel demotivated, unappreciated, or burned out.

4. The Mentor Leader
   This is the sweet spot. A Mentor Leader strikes a balance between high standards and high support. In this space, leaders demonstrate their belief in their team members' potential, hold them accountable, and provide the tools and guidance they need to succeed. This approach cultivates confidence, respect, and a sense of empowerment—key elements that resonate with Gen Z, who value collaboration, feedback, and purpose-driven work.

Where Do You Fall?

Honestly, I’ve found myself leaning into the Enforcer or Protector quadrants at different times, depending on the situation. However, the challenge of remaining in the Mentor quadrant resonates deeply with me. It requires intentionality to provide the structure that Gen Z craves and the encouragement they need to navigate challenges confidently.

Why the Mentor Quadrant Matters for Gen Z

Gen Z team members are looking for more than just a job—they’re looking for meaning, growth, and a leader who sees them as whole people. They want to be challenged to meet high standards, but they also need the reassurance that their leader will support them as they stretch toward those goals. When leaders operate as mentors, they create a culture of empowerment that allows teams to thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully.

How to Lead as a Mentor

• Set clear expectations: Explain to your team what success looks like and why it matters. Be specific and transparent about standards.

• Offer regular feedback: Gen Z appreciates real-time feedback to help them grow. Celebrate their wins and offer constructive guidance when needed.

• Provide resources and support: Equip them with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to achieve their goals. Show them you’re invested in their success.

• Build relationships: Take the time to understand what drives each team member. A personal connection can make all the difference.

A Challenge Worth Pursuing

As leaders, it’s not always easy to balance high standards with high support, but it’s worth the effort. Reflect on your leadership style. Are you leaning too far into one quadrant? How can you intentionally shift toward the Mentor quadrant to empower your team—particularly your Gen Z members?

By creating an environment where high standards are matched with unwavering support, we can help our teams reach their full potential and, in turn, create a thriving workplace culture.

Let’s take on this challenge together—it’s one worth pursuing.

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