To ensure happiness and success, Gen Z individuals should focus on cultivating these five essential skills

To ensure happiness and success, Gen Z individuals should focus on cultivating these five essential skills

It's undoubtedly challenging for Gen Z individuals today, as they navigate a world marked by polarization, high pressure, and a demand for skills that may not have been fostered in the same way for previous generations.

Moreover, as they step into the workforce, Gen Z faces a unique situation: they lack a point of reference for how work used to function. While past work environments weren't without their flaws, Gen Z is entering a landscape characterized by ambiguity and unpredictability, alongside demands that can be taxing and draining.

A survey conducted by Cigna revealed that a significant majority of Gen Z individuals—91%—reported experiencing stress, with an overwhelming 98% expressing feelings of burnout. These findings underscore the immense pressure and challenges that Gen Z grapples with as they navigate their personal and professional lives in today's world.

The Skills Gen Zs Need

To not only survive but also thrive in the modern world, Gen Z individuals must prioritize the development of key skills that can help them build a brighter future.

1. Relationship Skills

• Gen Z individuals should focus on cultivating strong relationship skills. Studies show that a significant portion of Gen Z feels a lack of friendships, with around 25% of the youngest working cohort reporting having no friends or only one close friend, as revealed by a survey conducted by YouGov. Therefore, investing in building meaningful connections and nurturing healthy relationships can be vital for their personal well-being and professional success.
• It's understandable that Gen Z individuals may face challenges in building relationships, given their upbringing in a digital age where communication often occurs through screens and interactions are often conducted from a distance, even prior to the pandemic. Many of them may feel more at ease communicating via text rather than over the phone, and they may exhibit avoidance or discomfort when it comes to face-to-face interactions. These factors can contribute to difficulties in forming and maintaining meaningful connections in person.
• Mastering skills such as reading others, being attuned to their emotions, and displaying empathy are essential for personal well-being. Moreover, navigating through various stages of life necessitates the capacity to listen actively to others, effectively express one's own perspective, engage in constructive dialogue, and find common ground through compromise. These interpersonal skills not only foster healthier relationships but also contribute to personal growth and success in various aspects of life.

Certainly, while Gen Z individuals may possess some level of these skills, there's always room for growth and enhancement. Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with others and participate in team-based projects, whether in the workplace or through volunteer work, can significantly contribute to expanding these skills. Engaging in recreational activities or joining professional associations can also provide avenues for connecting with others and honing social and relational abilities. Ultimately, it's about consciously investing time and effort into developing and strengthening these interpersonal muscles through consistent practice and exposure to diverse social contexts.

2. Conflict Management Skills‍

Indeed, the notion that all disagreement is inherently harmful is a misconception. In reality, conflict and differing viewpoints can often lead to the generation of innovative ideas and solutions. For Gen Z individuals, developing skills in tolerating diverse perspectives and valuing disagreement is crucial. Engaging in constructive conflict can offer opportunities for learning more about others' viewpoints as well as fostering personal growth.

To enhance their ability to embrace constructive conflict, Gen Z individuals can actively seek out interactions with individuals who hold differing opinions. They can also focus on honing skills in asking probing questions and actively listening to others' perspectives. Additionally, cultivating a mindset of respect for diverse viewpoints can further facilitate constructive dialogue and collaboration.

3. Accountability

It's concerning that a significant portion of business owners perceive Gen Z individuals as the "least reliable" among their employees, as indicated by a survey conducted by the Freedom Economy Index. Additionally, findings from the Cigna survey reveal that many Gen Z employees feel disengaged at work.

One contributing factor to this perception may be the way Gen Z individuals were raised, with a focus on rewarding outcomes rather than effort. This may have led to a preference for pursuing endeavors with guaranteed success and a belief that their abilities are fixed rather than fluid—a growth mindset that emphasizes continuous learning and development, even in the face of initial failure.

However, success in the workplace often requires perseverance and dedication to tasks that may be challenging or less enjoyable. Interestingly, putting in effort towards difficult tasks can lead to greater satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment upon completion. Embracing hard work can foster confidence, self-esteem, and a willingness to persevere through obstacles.

Gen Z individuals can cultivate accountability by committing to tackling challenging tasks and seeing them through, even when faced with adversity. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is also crucial, as research published in Frontiers of Behavioral Neuroscience suggests that reflecting on mistakes can lead to greater success in future endeavors.

Furthermore, cultivating patience is essential for Gen Z individuals as they navigate their careers. This includes being patient with job roles that may not be ideal, building relationships that require effort, and understanding that career growth takes time and experience.

4. Sensemaking

Sensemaking is a critical skill that Gen Z individuals must cultivate in today's information-saturated world. With a constant influx of news media, social media, and information from various sources, the ability to navigate through this deluge of data and discern what is credible is essential.

Born into a digital age characterized by incessant connectivity, Gen Z faces the unique challenge of sifting through vast amounts of information to extract meaningful insights while also knowing when to disconnect and seek respite from the overwhelming noise.

To develop their sensemaking skills, Gen Z individuals can establish boundaries for their online consumption, limiting the time spent on digital platforms. They can also adopt habits that prioritize seeking trustworthy information beyond surface-level headlines and clickbait, delving deeper into issues and asking critical questions to gain a more nuanced understanding.

Furthermore, actively seeking diverse perspectives and opinions, rather than relying solely on algorithm-curated content, can help broaden their understanding and foster a more well-rounded worldview. By taking deliberate steps to engage critically with information and cultivate a discerning approach to media consumption, Gen Z can navigate the complexities of the digital landscape more effectively.

5. Resilience

Building resilience is crucial for Gen Z individuals to navigate the inevitable challenges and hardships they encounter in life. Many members of this generation may struggle with their mental wellbeing and self-esteem, making resilience an essential skill to cultivate.

It's important for Gen Z to recognize that happiness is not a constant state, and experiencing difficult times is a natural part of life. Rather than avoiding stress altogether, they can learn to embrace "eustress," which refers to the positive stress that arises from challenging situations and motivates personal growth and engagement.

Seeking out challenges and opportunities for growth can help Gen Z individuals develop problem-solving skills, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity. By confronting challenges head-on, they can build confidence in their abilities and develop resilience in the face of obstacles.

Moreover, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion towards others can also contribute to their own mental health and happiness. By making meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of others, Gen Z individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which in turn strengthens their resilience and overall sense of wellbeing.

Moving Ahead‍

Indeed, the skills needed for resilience, empathy, accountability, and sensemaking are essential for individuals of all generations. Gen Z individuals have the opportunity to lead the way in expanding and refining these skills, setting a positive example for others to follow.

While challenges and setbacks are inevitable, cultivating these skills can create a foundation for happiness and wellbeing despite life's obstacles. By proactively developing these abilities, Gen Z can pave the way for a brighter future, not only for themselves but for all generations.

Source: Forbes