Can you tell us something about your background and your motivation for writing a book about Generation Z?
Dr Miriam Engelhardt: At Engelhardt Training, we have been giving talks and training courses on generational competence since 2004. Afterwards, participants often ask for a book recommendation. ‘How do you tick, how do I tick?’ was about the mix of generations. Now we want to offer an in-depth look at Gen Z and how to best interact with members of this generation.
Anja Trieschmann: As a teacher at a vocational secondary school, my motivation for writing about this generation goes deeper. I want to be able to respond well to them, both in didactic teaching and in class discussions or individual conversation.
In your opinion, what trends or changes in society have shaped the identity of Generation Z?
Nikola Engelhardt: One trend is the new parenting styles. Parental homes and school education are not so far apart in this way. People no longer want hierarchical relationships based on command and obedience, but rather see themselves as coaches and want to support young people in their individual goals and needs. In terms of learning theory, this is a welcome development. At the same time, this preference characterizes the young generation. They place their personal goals and needs at the centre and expect others to address these needs supportively. The reason for this behaviour is not egocentrism, but a long-standing habit. This is reinforced by the psychological phenomenon of transference (Freud): Gen-Z-ers unconsciously transfer their parents’ parenting style to leaders and expect them to act accordingly.
Anja Trieschmann: Gen-Zers are growing up with new things that they take for granted : Knowledge doesn't have to be known but is retrievable digitally – anytime, anywhere. Everything you need can be bought and is available in abundance. Paradoxically, this world they are growing up in is threatening to come to an end: Wars, environmental disasters, extremism, unstable relationships and inflation are perceived as threats and generate fears. This results in increasing psychological, emotional and health problems.
What challenges does Generation Z face?
Dr Miriam Engelhardt: It’s becoming increasingly difficult to establish social contacts. Gen Z is used to the fact that many interactions- even the ending of a romantic relationship - take place in the digital space. This is also the case among best friends. Therefore, Gen Z has little practice in dealing with spontaneous reactions from others. It becomes a major challenge to approach people or to endure the dynamics in work teams, when generations and characters clash under the normal daily pressure.
Nikola Engelhardt: We see the biggest challenge in coping with the general overload : too much digital information, entertainment and social media communication, globally visible conflict scenarios, consumer and leisure activities, training and career options, choices of all kinds. It is difficult to recognize oneself and one's own competence and to develop one's own goals, while a tsunami of options pours in from the outside and makes it impossible to rest.
Based on your research, what recommendations would you give to young people from Generation Z?
Dr Miriam Engelhardt: Have the courage to talk about what is important to you. Look for people you trust, talk to them, perhaps practise together with others. Adults often don't realise what you are struggling with. You need to tell them – maybe even several times.
Anja Trieschmann: Practice saying yes and making an effort when you want to achieve something, but also practice saying no to things that harm you. Explore how you want to live: try new things instead of brooding over one choice for too long. Don't just think about yourself - no man is an island. There are others next to you who value and need you.