Gen Z Is Entering Work in a Confidence Crisis

Nearly half of Gen Z workers, 48 percent to be exact, frequently or consistently feel they are not enough. That statistic should stop every leader who reads it, because it is not a motivation problem, a work ethic problem or a talent problem. It is a confidence problem.

As an executive performance coach who has spent more than two decades helping Olympians, professional athletes, Fortune 500 leaders and high-performing teams thrive under pressure, I have learned confidence isn't a luxury. It's a requirement for performance. Yet, our recent National Research Study on Confidence found that Gen Zers (ages 18 to 29 in our study) are entering the workforce carrying a psychological weight many organizations aren't prepared to address. Beyond the 48 percent who report frequently feeling inadequate, 47 percent regularly compare themselves to others and battle a harsh inner critic.

These aren't just personal struggles. They're workplace challenges, because when confidence drops, performance follows. Our study found that employees experiencing low confidence are more likely to second-guess themselves, hold back opinions, avoid additional responsibilities, procrastinate and consider leaving their jobs. The confidence crisis is reshaping how work gets done.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.