Generational Work Differences Calls for Adaptable Leadership Types

Written by Cara Negri

Cara Negri is the Director of Solutions at Bamboo Strategic Media and founder of 2D Motion Analysis. She is an innovative leader in driving corporate strategy and aligning development initiatives.

I used to think that leadership meant being strict and providing a disciplined approach to management. To lead was to be all business and no fun. However, I tried that method, and it didn’t work. I wasn’t having fun, and neither were the people I was managing. Sound familiar? 

WHAT ARE GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES?

Through trial and error, I realized that there are many different leadership types. It depends on the kind of people on your team and the goals you all aim to accomplish together. Furthermore, Leadership roles require adaptability to diverse perspectives, especially generational work differences within teams. Having multiple generations, and therefore different belief systems in the workplace, isn’t a new phenomenon but opinions between generations are more contrasting now than ever.

Undoubtedly, hiring and retaining Generation Z sales development representatives is difficult. While many companies thoroughly plan B2B recruitment, oftentimes Generation Z hires burnout and turnover quickly. Many business articles have come out about the clash between generations in the workplace as a cause of this phenomenon. Despite the little empirical evidence that validates these myths, there is a belief that the generational differences within the workplace lead to detrimental effects on business organizations. 

New research demystifies these beliefs and provides a clear understanding of how generational differences within the workplace have a positive impact on organizations and B2B sales recruitment. Additionally, the research shows that Generation Z in the workplace value different qualities in a leader. They crave feedback and praise, they enjoy structure, and they desire time to recharge outside of workUnderstanding that can help the working relationship flourish, and therefore, happier employees. 

IS COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE IMPORTANT?

Part of B2B recruitment for sales development representatives is examining if a student has experience as an SDR. These graduates like to receive guidance from leadership that help them with their workplace behaviors that may be misunderstood. One example is the use of a phone in the workplace. 

Baby Boomers or Gen Xers may read a person being on their phone during a conversation as disrespectful. We have to remember that Generation Z in the workplace sees technology as a part of their lives. It is inseparable from who they are. Chances are, they are taking notes, checking emails, and doing many other important tasks on their phone. And this behavior is more efficient than other methods.

As companies work on B2B recruitment for sales development representatives, there are many positive attributes that a fresh-minded and technology-driven employee can bring to your company. Rather than concluding that generational differences within the workplace are inevitable, businesses can work to understand different leadership types, encourage reverse mentorship, and intentionally learn from younger generations. Improving relationships in the workplace leads to optimal business functioning and happier employees.

Victoria Zamitalo

Campaign Manager

Victoria received a BA in History and Economics from the University of Florida in May 2023. She is a driven sales professional with over 5 years combined experience in customer service, consumer relations and outbound sales, and is deeply passionate about fostering close relationships between consumers and sellers. She aims to train the next generation of sales professionals in not only the tricks of the trade, but also interpersonal skills that make sales the exciting and ever-changing industry that it is.

victoria@thesellingfactory.com

Mia Semel

Campaign Manager

Before graduating with a B.A. in Sustainability Studies, Mia took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, recruiting, and leading campaigns. She is an active listener and effective communicator, specializing in fostering genuine connections and finding common ground among differing perspectives. She aims to find practical, creative solutions regarding sustainable development, biodiversity and the climate crisis.

mia.semel@thesellingfactory.com

Kira Grieve

Senior Campaign Manager

Kira graduated from the University of Florida and received her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. She is passionate about helping businesses grow and connecting with new people. Some of her hobbies include traveling and hiking. She hopes to visit all of the National Parks one day!

kira@thesellingfactory.com

Jared Glosser

Vice President

After graduating from UF in 2014 with a B.A. in history, Jared started his professional career Fundraising for a non-partisan political lobby in South Florida. In 2016, Jared moved back to Gainesville to work for a non-profit, recruit students for international travel opportunities, and pursue his MBA at UF. Jared has been with The Selling Factory since 2019 focusing on operations, client onboarding, and client success.

jared@thesellingfactory.com

Ian Massenburg

Chief Operating Officer

A graduate of University of Florida (B.A. 2001), Ian Massenburg brings over 18 years of sales executive and sales management experience to The Selling Factory. Before coming on-board, Ian worked alongside Brad at Infinite Energy, and then spent his next 3 years as VP of Partnerships selling SaaS products B2B. Ian brings his vast knowledge and experience to the team and to our partner companies served.

ian@thesellingfactory.com

Damien Paulk

Campaign Manager

Damien is a University of Florida graduate that recently joined the team full time after working as a Sales Development Intern for one year. As a Campaign Manager, Damien looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of The Selling Factory. When Damien is not at work he enjoys exploring Gainesville with his girlfriend and dog or watching the Gators dominate college football.

damien@thesellingfactory.com

Brendan Viehman

Campaign Manager

Brendan graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Project Management. For the past 5 years, he has enjoyed working with blockchain technology and cryptocurrency development. In his free time, he surfs and makes personal finance videos for his YouTube channel.

brendan@thesellingfactory.com

Savannah Howard

Campaign Manager

A graduate from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Savannah obtained her Bachelor of Science in public relations with a concentration in French. After almost two years as a sales development intern for The Selling Factory, she joined the leadership team in 2021 taking on the role of Campaign Manager. In her free time, Savannah enjoys going to concerts and festivals and cooking for her friends and family.

savannah@thesellingfactory.com

Zack Kampf

Campaign Manager

Zack is a creative technologist with experience in advertising, event planning, and game design. He started as an SDR in 2018 and has been with TSF ever since. Upon graduating UF in 2019 he became a campaign manager and is currently seeking a master's degree from NYU. In his spare time, you can find him at the intersection of Art & Technology!

zack@thesellingfactory.com

Josiah Blakemore

Growth Manager

Josiah has over 10 years of sales experience, worked with Brad and Ian at Infinite Energy, and also spent time selling SaaS as Director of Partnerships at SharpSpring. He’s always been very competitive and has a love for sports and games. He enjoys solving problems and coaching team members to do the same!

josiah@thesellingfactory.com

Sue-Ming Frauenhofer

Marketing Manager

Sue-Ming received both her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Management from The University of Florida. As a student, she took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, marketing, and recruiting, eventually leading to her current role as Marketing Manager. She enjoys refining her taste in music and visual art, engaging in mindfulness and meditative practices, and frolicking outside with her sidekick pup.

sueming@thesellingfactory.com

Adam Grossman

Chief Development Officer

Adam is an ordained rabbi, who has founded multiple ventures focused on workforce development. Hired as CEO by a failing non-profit, in over 5 years, his ingenuity saved the organization, which led Slingshotfund.org to recognize it as one of North America’s most innovative Jewish non-profits. His expertise to identify, cultivate, and on-board talent ensures our student teams meet our partners’ needs.

adam@thesellingfactory.com

Brad Gamble

Chief Executive Officer

After graduating from UF in 1999 with a B.S.B.A, Brad Gamble has dedicated himself to sales management, branding, coaching, and building companies. He served as the VP of Sales & Marketing for Infinite Energy until 2014, when he founded The Selling Factory. He has dedicated himself to teaching critical skills to tomorrow’s leaders, and helping companies achieve sales success and revenue growth.

brad@thesellingfactory.com