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Working the Future blog: our latest insights and future of work sensemaking

The rise of 'conscious unbossing': why the idea of middle management gives Gen Z the ick

2024-10-28 11:49

Admin

Head Kandi, FUTURE OF WORK, 21st CENTURY LEADERSHIP, MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKFORCE, MULTIGENERATIONAL DYNAMICS, GEN Z,

The rise of 'conscious unbossing': why the idea of middle management gives Gen Z the ick

Welcome to the age of Gen Z 'conscious unbossing' - and the latest challenge for organisations' succession-planning endeavours.

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Here’s a buzzy tag for Gen Z's growing resistance to traditional middle management roles - 'conscious unbossing'. Apparently 52% of them are actively avoiding these positions. 

 

However, this generation isn't rejecting leadership entirely – instead, they're redefining it, preferring expertise over hierarchical authority.

 

Research shows Gen Z views middle management as high-stress and unrewarding, characterised by endless meetings and complex team dynamics. Instead, 72% favour career advancement through developing specialist knowledge and personal brands.

 

This shift presents something of a challenge for organisations' succession-planning endeavours. Because to attract mercurial young talent, companies will increasingly need to create alternative leadership pathways that emphasise expertise, project leadership and meaningful impact – without the traditional management burdens.

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