5 Tips for Getting Buy-In from Gen Z

Change often arrives unannounced, flips over the best-laid plans, and challenges our vision for the future. Whether it’s economic changes, geo-political tensions, market disruptions, or personnel turnover, unignorable change often confronts us harshly and demands leadership that is both resilient and deeply rooted in purpose.

Leading in the face of unignorable change isn’t just about putting on a brave face and using the right jargon with your team—it’s about being a steady hand on the tiller, looking for opportunities amidst the shifts, and guiding your team along the way.

So how can you be the anchor your team needs while uncertainty swirls around them?

Start with Perspective: Reframing Change

Leaders often seek control during times of uncertainty, and assess the situation as a storm they must weather. But what if instead of change representing a threat, we take Molly Fletcher’s advice and see it as an opportunity to get curious about the opportunities available within that change?

Ask yourself: What’s the opportunity hidden within this challenge? By approaching change with this mindset of curiosity, you create space for creative solutions and will inspire a culture of adaptability amongst your team.

Anchor Yourself in Your Purpose and Develop a Vision

In moments of uncertainty, leaders need to stay rooted in their purpose and their “why.” What values guide your decisions? How do you want to show up in the face of unignorable change? Reflecting on these questions is an example of the relentless preparation that is required during times of uncertainty. Taking action and developing a clear sense of purpose will provide personal clarity and act as a steadying force for your team.

That sense of purpose will be critical as you build out a vision for what success looks like on the other side of change. As GLS23 speaker Patrick Lencioni reminds us, articulating a compelling vision—a vivid picture of what’s possible—gives people faith and optimism about the future.  This vision will be a north star your team can look toward when uncertainty is all around them.

Focus on the Human Side of Transition

Change can happen very suddenly, but it can take time for people to adapt. Lencioni describes this adjustment period as the “neutral zone”—a space where the old way is gone, but the new way hasn’t fully taken shape. During this time of uncertainty, how a leader handles transition can make or break their team’s ability to move forward.

Remember that your team will have natural human emotions that accompany change. They may experience feelings of fear, grief, and even resistance.

Here’s the key: don’t rush through this phase. Slowing down to address the human side of change is critical. Through active listening, expressing genuine empathy, and sharing optimism about the opportunities ahead, leaders can support their team and help everyone embrace the new reality.

Your Plan of Action

Here are some practical steps you can take during this season:

• Get Clear on “Why” and Develop your Vision and Plan: Share your purpose, vision, and plan with your team.
• Communicate Clearly and Often: Transparency builds trust. Re-iterate your vision and communicate next steps frequently
• Model Curiosity: Ask open-ended questions regularly to help your team build their curiosity muscles and see hidden opportunities.
• Celebrate Progress: Small wins build confidence and momentum. Take every opportunity to celebrate!

Now is the Time to Lead Through Action

Reading this post is a good start, but it won’t change anything on its own. What’s required now is action. If you’re facing unignorable change, now is the time to get curious about the hidden opportunities within change, get clear on your purpose and vision, and support your team so that they can be at their best.

As Craig Groeschel said at GLS24 “Go do what leaders do. Because we know that leaders change the world.”