5 Things I Learned from Gen Z and Why They Really Are Smarter than Most of Us

It was my first day of class as an Adjunct Professor at NYU, Kobe Bryant had tragically passed away in a helicopter crash and I remember seeing at least one student wearing a protective, medical grade mask. "What is going on here?" I thought to myself.

It was a preview of what was to come.

Looking around the room I saw mostly Gen Z students from across the globe; Turkey, Asia, Colombia, New Jersey just to name a few. Generation Z, affectionately known as Gen Z are members of the newest generation born after 1996. According to Pew Research, Gen Z are more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations and on track to be the most educated generation yet - and guess what, they know it. Pew Research

From shaping societal norms around gender identity to sharply disagreeing with their parent's political views, Gen Z'ers are here to stay and their impact will be felt globally. They are smarter, more socially aware, and possess a thoughtfulness and sophistication that is unparalleled. President Obama seems to agree.

My prediction is that COVID will only embolden Gen Z's hunger for more education and their affinity to understand how our business systems work and then methodically chip away at them.

For example, recently NYU announced that the University has received more than 100,000 applications for first-year undergraduate admission, a 20% increase over last year. NYU

Approximately 6,500 students are expected to enroll as freshmen at one of NYU’s three degree-granting campuses – in New York, Abu Dhabi, or Shanghai – next fall. Comparatively in 2008, 37,245 applied for first year undergraduate admission. See what I mean?

I am on faculty at NYU Real World where students work in multidisciplinary teams solving actual business problems in an experiential, flipped-classroom format with the hottest companies. I interact with Gen Z weekly, sometimes I teach them, most times they are teaching me. These young people are ready to dominate and when the world shuts them out, they create alternative universes.

A Nielsen study showed about 54% of Gen Z indicated they wanted to start their own company. These want-to-be entrepreneurs indicated control, debt-free, a purposeful life and being good to the planet were driving their entrepreneurial ambitions.

For any brand, company, or organization looking to invest and attract Gen Z talent, here are five things to consider promoting a mutually beneficial relationship because it's the only kind of relationship that interest them.

Let them roam

Gen Z needs space to define and redefine their approaches to work. When given a framework for action they can soar - let them.

DEI in their DNA

Remember, Gen Z is the most ethnically and racially diverse generation, they understand intrinsically that diversity leads to better outcomes. For them, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is natural. Leverage it.

Manage Hypocrisy

Gen Z has watched society behaved badly. They understand actions and words don't always align. Did your company release a statement committing to racial justice in the wake of George Floyd's murder? Generation Z will say, "Show me what your company has done."

Hardworking

Contrary to popular belief, I have witnessed Gen Z's tenacity and commitment to "getting it right." After watching their parents struggle economically and COVID push life as we know it to the brink of disaster, these young people aren't afraid to work hard. And while they are working, they are identifying ways to disrupt. Try to limit broad stereotypes that may disregard their commitment to hard work.

Supremely Connected

"Professor D. That's not hot." It was the course correction I needed from a student who pushed me to achieve something more dynamic and edgier than what I had in mind. The 360 connection of business savvy, creative, and culture seamlessly weave together for Gen Z. If you want their expertise, get them into the conversation early and often.

As we grapple with the effects of a worldwide pandemic, racial and social justice inequities, it is important that we build strategies and spaces to welcome Gen Z in so, as our future leaders, they can get us out of this mess. At your next meeting, brainstorming sessions, or client pitch; save room for the voice of the Gen Z talent over in the corner and remember, they are smarter than you are anyway.