Have you heard folks say, “Boy things are great! We are super-connected by Zoom”? If this is true, then why is the Great Resignation happening? The truth is: being on Zoom is not the same as being truly engaged.

Today like never before, later stage Millennials and Gen Xers are walking out in the millions.

All age groups matter! We hear a lot about Millennials – defined as those born between 1981 and 1996. I hear a ton about how to engage and connect with this age group specifically. This is, of course, very important. But let’s also not lose sight of Gen Z (all below 26 years of age). The Gen Z workforce, in their early 20’s, took their first jobs, are now going on 3 years of not having met a colleague in person, working out of their apartments primarily on Zoom, and are missing the opportunities of truly being mentored. Don’t forget the Gen Xers, ages 42-57, who are trained and experienced. Gen Xers lead and drive companies. Remember: A 50-year-old employee has tons of knowledge and leads large teams, and resignations can leave massive gaps. They often depart taking key people with them!

We need to leverage our global talent and be less concerned about which age range. Harnessing the massive talents of that young person is true engagement. Stopping talent at ANY AGE from walking out is key! We need to focus more on meaningful engagement and how to build the emerging future culture. That does not mean a Zoom-Culture, because Zoom is not a Culture. It’s a video-conferencing tool!

We need to connect with and ENGAGE actively with ALL AGE GROUPS and not focus on one or the other. We need to inspire a person in their first job, last job, or anywhere in the cycle. Meaningful engagement is often lost in non-connected routine Zoom connections.

We are now redefining leadership! New skills are needed to lead this new area and innovate effectively! More on this soon…

Disrupt | Innovate | Lead | Imagine