Last week, I explored how leaders can bridge the generational divide with Gen Z by “decoding the secret sauce.” This week, I build on one key idea: connecting energy with purpose.
In his 1964 book, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase “The medium is the message.” He argued that the form of communication shapes society and human behaviour as much as the content itself. A text message, phone call, and handwritten letter can convey identical words yet create very different impressions.
Today, these differences create friction between Gen Z employees and senior leaders, particularly around communication channels, feedback frequency, and professional etiquette.
Consider two familiar scenarios:
The Medium Mismatch: A Gen Z employee texts a manager to say they are running late, viewing it as efficient and considerate. The older manager, however, may see it as too casual or unprofessional and expect a phone call instead.
The Message Mode: Gen Z employees use Slack, Teams, or email with conversational language, emojis, and minimal greetings or sign-offs. Senior leaders may misinterpret this informality as a lack of seriousness or competence.
Digital technology has transformed the speed, scale, and patterns of workplace communication, creating three additional challenges:
The “Always On” Effect: Constant notifications and information overload blur work-life boundaries, fuel fatigue, and contribute to burnout.
The Loss of Body Language: Rapid, text-based exchanges remove important non-verbal cues, increasing misunderstandings and anxiety about intent.
The “It’s Only Business” Bias: Transactional messages and endless email threads can weaken interpersonal trust and leave remote employees feeling isolated.
These challenges help explain why many talented Gen Z professionals gravitate towards purpose-driven organizations where values, social responsibility, and genuine human connection matter.
The Ultimate Purpose Credo (UPC)
In SPARK, P stands for Purpose. At its heart is what I call the Ultimate Purpose Credo (UPC): a personal code for living and working in alignment with what matters most.
Purpose identifies our highest intention; a credo expresses the beliefs, values, and ideals that guide our thoughts and behaviour. Together, they provide the principles and standards needed to pursue meaningful outcomes and lasting impact.
How can an Ultimate Purpose Credo help leaders bridge digital communication gaps between senior management and Gen Z?
Three Ways to Elevate Communication into Connection
1. Clarify Mission and Values
A clear UPC recognizes Gen Z’s emphasis on purpose, social responsibility, and transparency, positioning employees as meaningful contributors to a shared mission.
Practical step: Start with why.
Connect daily tasks and decisions to the organization’s broader purpose. Explain the reasoning behind assignments rather than simply issuing instructions. Clarity builds trust and demonstrates that people’s contributions matter.
2. Lead with Non-Judgemental Curiosity
A shared purpose encourages leaders to understand intentions rather than rush to judgement. Different communication styles need not imply conflicting values.
Practical step: Respect the culture.
As with international expansion, approach unfamiliar communication styles with curiosity. Rather than dismissing casual language or direct questions as disrespectful, ask what the employee means and what they are trying to achieve.
3. Practice Unwavering Human Empathy
A UPC reinforces inclusion, understanding, and compassion—qualities easily lost when relationships are mediated by screens.
Practical step: Always stay human.
Create opportunities for managers and employees to know one another beyond their job titles and digital interactions. Strong personal connections make it easier to interpret messages generously, recognize good intentions and address friction before it escalates.
The key is to connect words with purpose and impact, regardless of the medium or the recipient.
The SPARK Connection: Human in the Medium, Purpose in the Message
Communication without direction is noise. Direction without purpose is aimless. Motion without meaning is drift.
Whether you are an experienced or aspiring leader, communicate to SPARK connection. Choose the right medium for the message, but ensure that every meaningful interaction is rooted in purposeful intent.
Most importantly, when you combine ambition with empathy and foster an inclusive culture built around shared significance:
- You communicate as a human, not a machine.
- You work as a teammate, not merely a boss.
- You measure success through impact, not just metrics.
Generational communication gaps are not simply a consequence of age. They often reflect a lack of mutual curiosity and adaptability in how we connect.
Your Ultimate Purpose Credo can help you choose the right medium, fuel your message with meaning and communicate with a human touch.
What is your communication UPC, and how do you ensure it is reflected in your daily interactions? Share your experiences and the difference they have made in your life and career.