1. EachPod

The Gen X Leader's Guide to Managing Millennials and Gen Z

Author
Colby Morris
Published
Tue 05 Aug 2025
Episode Link
None

Ever get frustrated trying to lead someone who sends emails in lowercase with no punctuation... but somehow they're your top performer? If you're a Gen X leader, you're sandwiched between generations with completely different values and expectations. In this episode, Colby breaks down why leading younger generations feels so challenging—and gives you practical strategies to bridge the gap without losing your edge.


What You'll Learn

  • Why your frustration with younger employees isn't really about them (it's about conflicting operating systems)
  • How to use Simon Sinek's "Why First" framework to create genuine buy-in
  • The 5 biggest mistakes Gen X leaders make with Millennials and Gen Z (and what to do instead)
  • What younger generations are really looking for from leadership (hint: it's not ping pong tables)
  • A practical 3-step action plan you can implement this week


Key Takeaways

The Real Issue: The tension between generations isn't about entitlement or work ethic—it's about fundamentally different experiences that shaped different expectations.

Start With Why: Before explaining what needs to be done, explain why it matters. Connect every task to a bigger purpose.

The Four C's: Younger generations want Clarity, Consistency, Coaching, and Care from their leaders.

Your Weekly Action Items:

  1. Audit your leadership mindset—where are you still leading like it's 1999?
  2. Practice the "Why First" framework on one delegation this week
  3. Ask one team member: "What's one thing we could change to make your work more meaningful?"


Episode Quotes

"That frustration you feel when they ask 'why' isn't about their entitlement. It's about your discomfort with a different way of working."

"The question isn't whether you should adapt. The question is: what's it costing you not to?"

"EQ isn't soft—it's the hardest skill to master and the most important one for results."


Resources Mentioned

  • Simon Sinek's Golden Circle (Why-How-What framework)
  • Things Leaders Do One-on-One Series (previous episodes)
  • Visit nxtstepadvisors.com for more leadership tools


Connect with Colby


Reflection Question

What belief about leadership are you holding onto that might be holding your team back?

Things Leaders Do is hosted by Colby Morris, helping leaders create clarity, build cultures people want to be part of, and lead with purpose.


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