Stop Blaming Generations: Your Leadership is the Problem with Jeff Conroy
No More Leadership BS
Stop Blaming Generations: Your Leadership is the Problem with Jeff Conroy
January 7, 2026
Think younger employees just want participation trophies and paychecks for showing up? Think again! This episode serves up an uncomfortable truth: that "generational problem" you're complaining about is actually YOUR leadership problem in disguise. The hosts demolish the lazy excuse of blaming age brackets for disengagement, revealing that every generation—from Boomers to Gen Alpha—responds to the same thing: leaders who actually listen, adapt, and connect work to purpose. Spoiler alert: culture reflects what you tolerate as a leader, not the year people were born. Ready to stop planting corn and expecting wheat? Time to own your leadership results and quit hiding behind "kids these days" excuses.

Stop Blaming Gen Z: Your Leadership is the Problem 🎯
Think the younger generation just wants participation trophies and paychecks without putting in the work? Think again! This episode demolishes the lazy myth that employee disengagement is a generational issue when it's actually a leadership accountability problem.


The Participation Trophy Myth Gets Schooled
Blaming generations for workplace issues is the leadership equivalent of checking "other responsibilities as assigned" on your to-do list and calling it a day. The truth? Every generation—from Boomers to Gen Alpha—responds to the same fundamental leadership principles: clear expectations, fair accountability, meaningful work, and consistent follow-through. When leaders complain about "kids these days," what they're really saying is "I'm uncomfortable adapting my leadership style."


Culture Reflects What You Tolerate, Not Birth Years
Here's the no-BS reality check: If your workplace culture rewards people for minimal effort, that's not a generational problem—that's a YOU problem. Culture doesn't emerge from demographic data; it grows from what leaders permit, encourage, and model. The hosts challenge leaders to stop hiding behind generational stereotypes and start asking the hard question: "What do I need to do differently to get different results?"


The Relationship Revolution (It's Not New, You Just Forgot)
Want to know someone's work ethic? Try this radical concept: actually talk to them. Understanding what motivates each team member—whether it's providing for family, building skills, or funding their next adventure—requires genuine relationships, not assumptions based on age brackets. Leaders who invest time learning individual purposes and connecting daily tasks to meaningful outcomes create environments where people choose to excel.


Own It or Lose It
The episode drives home the concept of extreme ownership: leaders can't provide motivation, but they can absolutely kill it. They can't force engagement, but they can create environments where people choose to bring their best. The NASA janitor who saw himself as "helping put a man on the moon" didn't stumble into that mindset—someone took the time to connect his work to purpose.


The Bottom Line:
Stop asking "What's wrong with this generation?" and start asking "What's wrong with my leadership?" Generational differences exist, but they're experiential, not character flaws. Gen Alpha grew up digital-native? Great—they'll adapt to AI faster than anyone. Gen X knew life without internet? Perfect—they bring resilience and adaptability. Every generation has strengths. Your job as a leader isn't to make them fit your preferred mold; it's to evolve your leadership to bring out their best.


Tune In For:
Stop planting corn and expecting wheat. Own your results, adapt your approach, and watch your "generational problems" transform into leadership opportunities.

Have questions,  suggestions or just a great story to tell about some Leadership BS you have experienced? Let us know by emailing us 

Today's Featured Coach - 

  • Jeff Conroy - Organizational and Non-profit Expert, Motivational Speaker, Coach -  Executive Leader | Difference Maker for nonprofits in strategic planning, operations, and fundraising and development. Owner/Founder of Conroy Leadership Consulting, LLC. Reach Jeff at [email protected] or  208-215-6285


The rest of the gang: