While the previous generations were highly motivated with promotions and hierarchical positions of power, Gen Z may not be. More inspiring for them would be; being contributors, being heard, valued, respected and acknowledged. It is best for the leaders to transform now, and HR will have to facilitate this metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly
We have forever lived in hierarchy. We had Rajwadas, Rajas and Ranis, and then the Maha Mantri, the Mantris and the Peshwas. Then came the Queen from land-afar and took the whole hierarchical bit a hundred notches higher. And, in spite of being in a democracy for the last 70 odd years, we still remain deep-rooted in hierarchy. Organisations are legal entities, and yet we have similar hierarchical structures that define many aspects from decision-making, office-cabins, cafeterias (esp. in manufacturing) and even the parking lot. In some places, even the washrooms are hierarchical rules of entry. Ironically, while people speak against discrimination, the same people aspire promotions not for the challenge of the enhanced deliverables or for the sense of leading people, but mostly for the 'power' that they would enjoy in those positions.
However, as Bob Dylan professed in the 60's in his song, The Times They Are A-Changin', especially the part featuring the lines Come mothers and fathers. These lines are bang on the money when we look at Gen Z (also called as iGen) who have recently joined organisations or will be joining in the next few years. They are not going to really adhere to hierarchy, levels, bands or power with the same comfort as the older generations. Chances are, if they see hierarchy, they are going to vamoose even before that word is spelled out! Another aspect today is 'meetings are life' in most organisations. In the workshops that are facilitated by me, especially for conglomerates, I have been commonly hearing Managers claiming that for at least 3/5th of the time, they are either in meetings or calls. And, in the Indian context, most of these meetings are held in a highly autocratic mannerusually talk, high control, and hierarchal decision-making by the Manager/Leader who has position and power over others. Thus, a connect in built through a generous display of public hierarchy and meetings.
This story is from the December 2017 edition of Human Capital.
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This story is from the December 2017 edition of Human Capital.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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