Generational Differences Call for a Change in Sales Leadership

Millennials have been around, well since I was born. The oldest millennial is 41 now, and the youngest is 24, with the following generation of young adults being called Gen Z. Together the two groups make up 46% of salespeople.

Millennials and Gen Z'ers have been taught to communicate and express their needs, which poses a problem for older, less adaptable, generations that expect us younger generations to follow a hierarchical order rather than speak up for their needs.

Millennials and Gen Z'ers also are scorned from watching their parents lose jobs throughout the pandemic and display lesser company loyalty than previous generations. For example, younger generations look for the best way to meet their emotional, physical, and financial, needs rather than looking for the "best" job. The best job is the job that suits you and your character, one you feel welcome at. Older C-level executives must adapt to the young culture in order to keep these young minds and new perspectives on board and keep their company moving forward.

Medina, Manny. “Council Post: 3 Ways Millennials and Gen Z Are Changing the Dynamics of Sales.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 13 May 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/05/12/3-ways-millennials-and-gen-z-are-changing-the-dynamics-of-sales/?sh=1632469c6dcb.