How to Engage Younger Audiences on New Platforms

How Tech Leaders Can Help the TikTok Generation The TikTok generation, primarily composed of Gen Z, has unique characteristics and preferences that tech leaders can leverage to support and engage them effectively. Here are several strategies: 1. Embrace Digital Natives' Strengths Gen Z grew up with technology and is highly adept at using digital tools. Tech leaders should: - Leverage their tech-savviness: Utilize their skills in social media, digital marketing, and content creation to enhance your organization's digital presence. - Implement intuitive tech interfaces: Ensure that workplace tools and systems are user-friendly and up-to-date to match the seamless experiences they expect from social media platforms. 2. Foster Authenticity and Transparency Gen Z values authenticity and transparency in their interactions and from their employers: - Promote open communication: Encourage a culture of honesty and openness. This can be achieved through regular feedback sessions. - Showcase company values: Align your company's mission with social and environmental causes that resonate 3. Provide Opportunities for Growth and Learning Continuous learning and development are crucial for Gen Z: - Offer lifelong learning opportunities**: Implement programs like "learning sprints" where employees can focus on personal development projects. - Mentorship programs: Pair Gen Z employees with experienced mentors to guide their career development and support. 4. Encourage Innovation and Creativity Gen Z thrives on creativity and innovation: - Support creative projects: Allow space for Gen Z employees to work on innovative projects and contribute new ideas. - Use collaborative tools: Implement tools that facilitate teamwork and creative collaboration. 5. Enhance Work-Life Balance Flexibility is key for Gen Z: - Flexible work arrangements: Offer remote work options and flexible hours to help them manage their commitments - Well-being initiatives: Implement programs that support mental health and personal well-being 6. Utilize Engaging Content Formats Gen Z prefers rich, interactive content: - Short-form video content: Use platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels for internal communications and training materials to keep them engaged. - Interactive learning modules: Develop gamified learning experiences and interactive tutorials to make training more engaging. 7. Promote Social Responsibility Gen Z is socially conscious and expects their employers to be as well: - Corporate social responsibility (CSR): Engage in CSR activities and encourage employees to participate in volunteer work and social impact initiatives. - Sustainability efforts: Highlight your company's sustainability efforts and involve Gen Z employees in these initiatives. By understanding and catering to the unique preferences and strengths of the TikTok generation, tech leaders can create a supportive and engaging work environment that not only attracts but also retains Gen Z talent.

OK Boomer, Gen Z Doesn't Want Your 2000s Change Management Playbook! A leader was puzzled over why their meticulously planned technology rollout was meeting unexpected resistance from newer employees. The communication plan was comprehensive, training well-documented, and leadership aligned. The problem? Their entire change approach was designed for a workforce that no longer exists. 💼 Generation Z Has Entered the Workforce Born between 1997-2012, Gen Z now constitutes over 20% of the workforce. They're not just younger millennials – they're the first true digital natives with fundamentally different expectations for organizational change. The generational shift demands we rethink core OCM practices: ⚡ Communication: From Documents to Micro-Content Traditional Approach: Multi-page email announcements, detailed PDF attachments, formal town halls  Gen Z Expectation: 60-second explainer videos, visual infographics, authentic peer messaging When one bank shifted from traditional change communications to micro-content delivered through multiple channels, engagement rates increased by 64% among Gen Z employees. 🤝 Engagement: From Involvement to Co-Creation Traditional Approach: Change champions appointed to represent teams Gen Z Expectation: Direct participation in design, transparent feedback loops, social proof Gen Z employees are 3x more likely to disengage from changes without visible impact within 30 days. They expect their input to be implemented rapidly and visibly. 🌱 Motivators: From Compliance to Purpose Traditional Approach: Focus on organizational benefits and necessity Gen Z Expectation: Focus on personal impact, societal value, and authentic rationale A financial tech transformation that reframed messaging around customer benefit and social impact saw higher adoption rates among Gen Z than when using traditional business case messages. 🦋 Timeline: From Projects to Continuous Evolution Traditional Approach: Defined projects with clear start/end dates Gen Z Expectation: Agile, iterative changes with regular improvements Gen Z has grown up with software that updates weekly or daily. The concept of a "frozen" system post-implementation makes little sense to them. 📖 Your OCM 2.0 Playbook To evolve your change approach for the next generation: - Replace monolithic communications with multi-format micro-content - Build social proof through peer advocacy, not just leadership messaging - Connect changes to meaningful impact, not just business metrics - Implement feedback visibly and rapidly - Embrace continuous improvement over "project completion" Gen Z isn't resistant to change—they're resistant to change management that feels outdated, inauthentic, or disconnected from their digital reality. Has your organization updated its change approach for Gen Z employees? What generational differences have you observed in change receptivity? #ChangeManagement #GenZ #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalChange

28% of Gen Z starts searches in ChatGPT. 47% say they’ve discovered a new product or brand through ChatGPT.* AI isn’t just changing how people search, it’s changing where discovery happens. How many of us are thinking about our presence in AI environments? This shift is coming fast, and it’s going to reset strategy for a lot of brands: ❇️ Focus on context. What questions are people asking? What problems are they trying to solve by using AI versus Google. ❇️ Refine your brand messaging. Clear, helpful product explanations and comparisons make it easier for AI to recommend you. ❇️ Monitor your brand mentions. How are you showing up in AI conversations? My daughters are my personal Gen Zalpha focus group. I clocked it so you don’t have to 🙂 Here’s what I’m seeing: 1. They use ChatGPT to research products. Whatever it serves them is what they believe. 2. Brands matter… but they’ll happily swap for an alternative if it meets their expectations. 3. FaceTime is their “phone call.” They live in group chats and group FaceTimes, with nicknames and emojis for contact names. 4. Their attention span is short… except when it’s not. They’ll binge short videos but also watch long GRWM or product reviews from trusted influencers. Always on multiple screens — iPad for gaming, phone call, TV on. 5. AirPods are glued to their ears 24/7 (which I’m convinced will lead to hearing issues down the line). 6. They love experiencing brands in person — in stores, at events. Most brands are missing this. 7. Their texts are through Snapchat and are mostly acronyms. 8. They listen to everything — music genres don’t define them. 9. Thrifting is cool. Vintage and nostalgic finds always win. They keep me on my toes! #marketing #genz #genalpha *Adobe study

Gen Z is moving away from feed-like platforms such as X and IG 📸 that don't prioritize genuine, close-knit connections.❤️ The trend among Gen Z? A pivot from one-to-thousands broadcasts 🌍 to more intimate peer-to-peer interactions👥. This shift is evident in the rise of platforms, from safe space blogs to apps promoting meaningful dialogues🗣️. For instance, Girlhood, co-created by Mia Sugimoto and Sophia Rundle, is a community-led blog guiding teens through various life challenges💡. Here, individuals can post anonymously on topics ranging from navigating a first breakup💔 to feelings of exclusion from group chats📱. The Girlhood team, made up of older teens and young adults, fosters a familial ambiance through their supportive and informal responses💌. This fills a growing gap, especially at a time when many parents rely on digital devices 📲 as distractions, rather than nurturing deeper connections with their children👨👩👧👦. A notable statistic: 65% of Gen Z expressed greater online confidence when using community-centric apps like Reddit, in contrast to feed-based ones like IG or X📊. AGAPÉ is making waves as a relationship wellness app💑, strengthening connections with friends, family, and partners through daily conversation-starter questions🤔. Another Gen Z favorite is Lapse, an invite-only disposable camera app📷. Users create a private roll, snap 36 unedited shots, and then eagerly await their "development" 24 hours later⏳. The overarching theme? A shift towards community-centric platforms responding to a cultural craving for more intimate and private social interactions💬. Recognizing this, I founded the GenZtea community (with another on the horizon)🌅. I It's a space designed for Gen Z builders to navigate personal brand development🚀, boost their social media engagement🔥, and explore partnerships🤝.✨📱🌐 #genzfounders #genz #genztrends #consumersocial #consumerapps