The Shepherd’s Role: Helping Gen Z Tap Into Their Wisdom:
Shepherding doesn’t just involve older generations sharing wisdom—it also empowers Gen Z to tap into their own. Gen Z brings intuitive wisdom shaped by their unique context: they’re digital natives who prioritize sustainability, equity, and innovation.
The shepherd facilitates this by creating a safe space for storytelling, encouraging Gen Z to reflect on their experiences and values. For instance, a mentor might share a career setback, then ask their Gen Z team, “What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did it shape your perspective?” This prompts a Gen Z professional to share how they reimagined a marketing campaign to be more inclusive, drawing on their innate understanding of diverse audiences.
A 2025 Deloitte Gen Z Survey notes that 62% of Gen Z feel more confident sharing ideas when leaders encourage self-reflection through storytelling. By guiding this process, the shepherd ensures both generations learn from each other, creating a dynamic exchange of wisdom.
How to Shepherd Gen Z with Storytelling:
Shepherding with storytelling requires strategies that align with Gen Z’s preferences while fostering wisdom exchange.
First, older leaders should share vulnerable stories to build trust. A mentor might post on LinkedIn about misjudging a client’s needs, setting the stage for open dialogue.
Second, encourage Gen Z to tap into their wisdom by inviting their narratives—like a “career turning point” discussion where they share insights, such as using tech to solve a social issue.
Third, use visual formats, as 83% of Gen Z prefer visual content (2025 Hootsuite Social Trends). A 45-second video of a mentor’s “day in the life” paired with a growth lesson can inspire Gen Z to respond with their own ideas.
Fourth, connect stories to values Gen Z cares about, like how a campaign promotes diversity.
Finally, keep stories concise—60 seconds or less—to match their fast-paced habits. For example, a design firm mentor’s carousel post about a client failure-turned-success could prompt a Gen Z designer to propose a sustainable campaign, blending generational insights.
Read part III