About this episode

Robert Adams discusses the importance of understanding generational expectations in leadership and how to create an inclusive environment for all generations.

The conversation about leading across generations is mostly a distraction. Not because the generations are the same. But because the answer is not in the generational profiles. In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Robert Adams makes the case that every generation at your table wants the same things: to be seen, to do work that matters, and to know the person leading them is worth following. What differs is what they have been taught to expect. In this episode: - Why most generational profiling in leadership misses the actual problem - What Gen Z is actually asking for in the workplace, and why it is not a character flaw - What experienced professionals need to see acknowledged, and why the friction between generations is usually practical rather than philosophical - Three things a leader does to build a table where every generation feels like their seat was set with intention - The May close: what The Spoon, The Glass, The Napkin, and The Table add up to as a leadership foundation - June preview: The Plate returning, leading through change when everyone is exhausted The three things a leader does to build a table across generations: 01. Name what you value from each…

People in this episode

Host: Robert Adams

Topics covered

• leadership
• generational differences
• workplace expectations
• team dynamics
• employee engagement

Keywords

• leadership
• generations
• Gen Z
• workplace
• employee engagement
• team dynamics
• expectations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Deloitte

More episodes of A Student of Leadership - Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.

• Episode 65: The Leader Who Sees the Whole Person · May 19, 2026 · 16 min
• Episode 64: The Feedback That Actually Changes Behavior · May 12, 2026 · 14 min

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