Struggling to manage Gen Z staff? EDHEC business school’s Genevieve Houriet Segard digs into what young professionals expect from a good boss

The secret to leading Gen Z? Less control, more clarity

Gen Z have gained a bad rep in the professional world: painted as lazy, entitled and far less willing to be taken advantage of than their predecessors, managing young professionals may now feel like a daunting task for millennials used to doing the brunt work. But it needn’t. From analysing nearly 2,000 responses from recent graduates of business and engineering schools, a clear picture emerged of what young professionals expect from a “good boss”. And, in fact, their expectations are clear, consistent – and surprisingly reasonable.

First, focus on clarity. Young graduates repeatedly told us that what they value most from a manager is transparency: clear goals, honest communication and an understanding of how their work fits into the broader mission. Take the time to explain the “why” behind tasks. It may feel obvious to you, but for someone at the start of their career, it creates meaning and direction.

Draw on your own expertise and experience. Young professionals respond well to managers who lead by example – not through authority, but through competence and steadiness. They look for someone who understands........

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