The Fortified Life Podcast with Jason Davis - EP 222 | Dr. Tim Elmore | founder of Growing Leaders - GrowingLeaders.com

The Fortified Life Podcast with Jason Davis – Episode 222Guest: Dr. Tim Elmore, Founder of Growing Leaders (growingleaders.com)Episode HighlightsHost: Jason Davis (aka Mister Fortify)Dr. Tim Elmore – Leadership expert, author of 35+ books, creator of HabitudesFeatured Book: The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Upset the WorkplaceAbout the GuestDr. Tim Elmore is a renowned leadership expert and the founder of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit focused on developing emerging leaders. He spent 20 years working alongside John C. Maxwell and has appeared in major publications and media outlets. Globally, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits seek his practical wisdom for multi-generational leadership.Key Topics DiscussedUnderstanding Generation ZThe “Peter Pan Paradox”: Age of authority is dropping, but age of maturity is rising (“26 is the new 18”)Gen Z brings tech intuition and a forward-looking view of the workplace, but may lag in social, emotional, and spiritual maturity due to cultural and pandemic factors.Importance of listening and coaching over just managingHiring & Interviewing Gen ZEmployers encounter unique challenges with Gen Z, such as eye contact, expectations, dress, language, virtual etiquette, and even parents participating in interviews.The “PERKS” Interview Framework:Preferences: Understand their wishesExpectations: Clarify what they assume will be trueRequirements: Identify non-negotiablesKeys: Discover what makes them tickSalary: Discuss compensation transparentlyShift interviews to a two-way conversation to set the stage for engagement and retention.Myths & Realities about Gen ZMany stereotypes are misleading—work ethic and motivations are often misunderstood.Gen Z values work-life balance as a reaction to previous generations’ workaholism.Importance of asking and understanding before assumingRetaining and Developing Gen Z TalentCreate entrepreneurial zones or startup-like teams within organizations.Provide autonomy, flexibility, and trust (with accountability)Use reverse mentoring—invite Gen Z to teach older generations.Foster an environment where asking is as valued as telling.Feedback & CommunicationApproach feedback with grace, curiosity, and belief in the personThe “ALEG” Feedback Model:Ask (not tell)ListenEmpathizeGuideBuild bridges, not just wield badges—connection, not just position, earns influence.Mental Health & Well-beingGen Z faces unprecedented anxiety and pressure, with today’s average teen experiencing anxiety levels that match those of psychiatric patients from the 1950s.Encourage margin, movement, and authentic support in the workplace.Why Dr. Elmore Remains OptimisticEvery generation is initially misunderstood—even Boomers faced skepticism.Positive change often comes from rising generations.Inspiring story of the NASA moon landing—entrusting young leaders led to a historic achievement“Gen Z is the sandpaper on my leadership I didn’t know I needed.”Resources & Next StepsDr. Elmore’s books (including The Future Begins with Z and Habitudes) are available from major booksellers.Bulk orders: portslightbooks.comLearn more and access leadership resources: growingleaders.com, timelmore.comConnect with Dr. Tim Elmore:Website: timelmore.comOrganization: growingleaders.comSocial: Search “Tim Elmore” and “Growing Leaders” on major platformsClosing ThoughtsDon’t compartmentalize your faith—God is with you everywhere.Embrace generational differences as opportunities for growth and innovation.Lead with curiosity, connection, and humility.Subscribe to The Fortified Life PodcastApple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | YouTubeVisit fortifiedlifepodcast.com for more info and live episodes, Wednesdays at 8:30pm ET.Host Book Recommendation:Fortify: Being Rooted in God’s Plan for Work and Business by Jason Davis (Available on Amazon)