What a leaf-sweeper's answer teaches about leadership

Don't get your feathers ruffled if someone calls you "Brat," a complimentary adjective in Generation Z slang for a person who displays confidence and authenticity rather than a term for a spoiled child. "The intersection of 'Brat' culture and Gen Z's values is changing company cultures in important, positive ways, as leaders find ways to celebrate each person's unique skills to create stronger, more resilient teams," says Alan Todd, vice president and general manager of Udemy.

Put it into practice: If you're confused by Gen Z slang, you're not alone. The TikTok Slang Dictionary contains a listing of common slang terms, such as "rizz" for charisma and "yap" for talking too much.

Leaders should take vacations to recharge, gain new perspectives and set a good example for employees, writes Dede Henley, the CEO of Henley Leadership Group. "When you openly prioritize and take a vacation, you send a powerful message to your team: self-care and work-life balance are important and integral to success," Henley writes.

If you have a cat, you know they want to be wherever you are, and a closed door is seen as an affront to them because, as Karen Sueda, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, notes, they have an innate need to be in control of their territory and they are curious about what you're doing, even if they don't want to participate. Closing off areas where your cat usually hangs out can cause them stress, says cat behaviorist Jane Ehrlich, which means if you don't want your cat in a particular room, make it off limits all the time.

I'm glad someone has finally clearly defined "brat" for me. The Generation Z term has been everywhere lately and I admit my middle-aged mind couldn't quite grasp it. Now that it's clear, though, I like the term because it describes an authenticity that we often miss not just in the office but the world in general. Team members who have a playful defiance and boldness can bring a fresh perspective to everyday challenges and willingness to see things differently and move beyond the status quo. Far from being "lazy," Gen Z is bringing a new sense of integrity to the workplace, seeking chances to learn, grow and thrive in new ways.

And that's no cap -- as the kids say.

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