Gen Z faces unique challenges in the professional world, and to uncover how they can establish credibility, we’ve gathered insights from Gen Zers in the workplace, plus from the founders and business leaders who interact with them. From establishing authority on subjects to leading with authentic passion, this article compiles 27 expert strategies to help the younger generation gain the respect of clients and colleagues.
Establish Authority on Subjects
You truly have to be an authority on the subject; the fact is, people shouldn’t take you seriously if you don’t have anything valuable to contribute to the subject. Usually, it takes time to become an expert, so most clients assume you don’t know a lot and are the lowest on the totem pole. If they’re just meeting you and they don’t think you’re on their level, I’ve found that asking insightful questions, speaking with confidence, conviction, and using a downward inflection helps. Outside of that, if you meet people who are still dismissive, don’t be afraid to push them away with a manner of indifference.
Carson Spitzke, Founder, Vision Management
Speak with Authority and Conviction
As a Gen Z professional, one thing that I’ve found that gives me credibility among my peers and customers is understanding the situation enough to speak with authority about a possible solution or next step.
If you’re looking for clients and colleagues to take you more seriously, make sure to have a robust understanding of the situation so that you can add value to the conversation.
Thoroughly understanding the project gives you the solid foundation you need to speak and act with conviction in support of those around you. Ultimately, your clients and colleagues want to be confident in your abilities to solve the shared goal you have. Show them that they can be!
Joshua Hill, Brand Designer & Strategist, Green Tree Studio
Communicate Unique Digital Perspectives
Gen Z is often viewed negatively by other generations, yet they possess a wide range of strengths that are frequently overlooked. As the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital age, they offer unique perspectives, skills, and priorities.
To ensure clients and colleagues take them seriously, Gen Z should focus on their distinctive viewpoints and communicate them effectively. Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence will facilitate this process. By understanding and articulating their unique perspectives, they can highlight insights and areas that others may not have considered, thereby adding significant value to organizations.
Emma Gray, Founder, Empathrive
Demonstrate Respect by Listening
Listen. And that goes for all of us, not just Gen Z. If you want to be taken seriously, take others seriously. The best way to demonstrate authentic respect and interest is to listen with your undivided attention. Then, reflect what you heard in your response by making what they shared valuable to the exchange.
Kris Boesch, CEO, Choose People
Build Relationships and Seek Mentorship
Create the right relationships and seek mentorship. Actively seek opportunities to connect with more experienced colleagues and show that you are reliable and valuable. Ask good questions and listen carefully. This way, you’ll demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow within the organization.
As a digital native and value-driven generation, you can bring these attributes as your toolkit that others respect and want to learn from. You also encourage diversity, so there are ways you can teach others, and the relationship can become balanced. Use your attributes to showcase them to clients with respect and active listening, and you’ll be fine.
Cristina Imre, Founder Tech Leadership Lab & Quantum Wins Consultant, Tech Leadership Lab
Show Accountability and Professionalism
One key way for Gen Z to gain the respect of clients and colleagues is to be accountable and show professionalism. For example, if you are pitching to a client, start by summarizing the key takeaways and next steps at the end of your meeting. In your follow-up, reiterate what was discussed, detail how tasks will be accomplished, keep them informed of what needs to happen next, and provide the expected delivery date. Most importantly, stick to the deadlines and promises you made. If anything unexpected comes up, it is paramount that you communicate this promptly and outline the contingency plan. Demonstrating reliability and clear communication will go a long way in earning trust and respect.
Vivian Chen, Founder & CEO, Rise
Mirror Successful Behaviors
I recommend a bit of a twist on an age-old adage: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
This should go beyond attire; it’s about strategically mirroring the behaviors and communication styles of your clients and successful colleagues.
If you mirror the behavior you see, people are more likely to trust you. So, “dress” for the job you want, and while that might not mean clothes, it could be presence in a meeting, word choice, and hand gestures. They will automatically start to take you more seriously.
Mirroring isn’t about losing your individuality. It’s about strategically adapting your professional demeanor to align with your industry’s expectations. Others will recognize your potential and take you seriously, regardless of your age or experience level.
Kendra Corman, Strategist and Consultant, KendraCorman.com
Consistently Deliver Quality Work
One key thing Gen Z can do to get clients and colleagues to take them seriously is to demonstrate a strong work ethic and consistently deliver high-quality results. In my experience, age becomes less of a factor when you consistently prove your value through your actions and output.
I’d advise Gen Z professionals to focus on developing deep expertise in their chosen field. This could involve pursuing additional certifications, staying up-to-date with industry trends, or even starting a blog or podcast to showcase their knowledge.
When I started my company, I was young and faced skepticism. But by consistently providing valuable, well-researched financial advice, I was able to build credibility over time. It’s also crucial to communicate professionally and confidently, backing up your ideas with data and real-world examples.
Brian Meiggs, Founder, My Millennial Guide
Exhibit Learning and Self-Improvement
Gen Z professionals should demonstrate a sincere desire for learning and self-improvement to gain clients’ respect and establish better working relations with colleagues. This involves actively seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, asking intelligent questions, and staying curious about industry developments. Demonstrating dedication toward continuous improvement not only shows your commitment but indicates that you are serious about producing high-quality work. Moreover, showing enthusiasm toward new tasks and proactively trying to widen one’s knowledge base can significantly contribute to your credibility. For better results, this enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge must be combined with a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism. Consistently meeting deadlines, having effective communication skills, and maintaining a positive attitude at work can dispel any doubts others may have about your abilities. Embodying these qualities can make young professionals trustworthy experts whose opinions count among their peers and customers.
Sherman Standberry, CPA and Managing Partner, My CPA Coach
Adopt Proactive Customer Service
Recently, I found myself in a situation that illustrates a common workplace concern about Gen Z employees. I was at a bar, my phone battery low, and needed an outlet to charge it. I asked the Gen Z bartender if there was an outlet I could use. He glanced around behind the bar and said, “There’s no outlet here,” offering no further help. Moments later, a millennial manager noticed my predicament. She quickly identified an outlet near the kitchen and guided me to it, getting my phone charged within minutes. The difference was striking: the Gen Z bartender focused only on the immediate surroundings, while the millennial manager understood the goal—getting my phone charged—and went the extra mile to find a solution.
This isn’t just about phone charging; it’s a microcosm of a broader issue. A recurring concern, particularly from millennial and older professionals, is the perceived lack of urgency and customer-oriented thinking among Gen Z employees.
Gen Z can elevate their professional standing by adopting a proactive approach to customer service. This means looking beyond the immediate scope of their responsibilities to find solutions that enhance the customer experience. Just as the millennial manager did, think beyond the immediate environment and focus on the goal.
Gen Z can benefit significantly from broadening their perspective and not staying confined to their “narrow lane.” This involves looking at the bigger picture and understanding how your role fits into the larger organizational goals. Learning about different departments and how they interact can provide valuable insights, allowing you to anticipate needs and offer solutions that might not be immediately apparent within your specific role.
Adopting a proactive customer service mindset is crucial for earning the respect of clients and colleagues. It shows that you are attentive to their needs, willing to put in the extra effort, and capable of thinking on your feet. This level of dedication can set you apart and build a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
Gen Z can earn the respect and trust of clients and colleagues by adopting a proactive customer service mindset, broadening their perspective, and committing to continuous learning. By taking these steps, young professionals can not only enhance their own career prospects but also contribute positively to their organizations, ultimately proving that they are invaluable assets in any workplace.
Elena Shturman, Corporate Compliance Expert, Ceribell, Inc
Express Professionalism and Accountability
Gen Z can demonstrate a high level of professionalism and accountability when working at a job. The good thing about this is that these attributes can always be expressed, no matter the industry. Common ways Gen Zers can demonstrate this are by meeting deadlines, communicating openly with coworkers and management, asking questions, and showing that they want to continuously learn and grow within their position.
Lark Allen, Content Marketing Specialist, Drive Research
Manage Digital Footprint Wisely
In the wedding and event planning industry, your experience counts for a lot; this is why it is integral for Gen Z employees to ensure that their experience speaks for itself.
In addition to this, as this industry deals with social media and curating an online presence, there is a chance that clients and colleagues may stumble upon your social media platforms. This is why it is important to consider your digital footprint. Your online persona and your professional one may be entirely different from each other; however, this may influence people’s perception of you, which can sometimes alter their approach. While we encourage staff to be their true and authentic selves, it is important that you consider your future prospects and reputation, as well as the reputation of the company you represent, when posting online.
Aureljia Gintaliene, Founder, Breezit
Bridging the Experience Gap
As a younger Millennial who just missed out on being Gen Z, Gen Z brings a unique perspective and digital fluency that’s incredibly valuable. However, the one thing that Gen Z can do to get clients and colleagues to take them seriously is to “bridge the experience gap.”
With technology, trends, and the world moving faster than ever, their lack of experience can be turned from a weakness to a strength. They’re not beholden to existing dogma and can use this to bridge the experience gap.
In my experience managing Gen Z team members, their success is contingent on channeling their unique perspectives, skills, and ideas into tangible results. This means focusing on data-driven outcomes, becoming subject-matter experts in their chosen fields, and communicating their ideas with clarity and confidence.
By demonstrating their expertise and the positive impact they drive, Gen Z will earn the respect they deserve. They’ll become the bridge between innovative ideas and real-world applications—and a valuable member of their team.
Justin Truong, Co-Founder & CEO, PUSHAS
Create Impactful Work Portfolio
Gen Zers can be taken seriously by creating a portfolio of their past relevant work experience with associated impact metrics. For example, when I founded my nonprofit, Climate Cardinals, at 18, I kept track of how many words of climate research we were translating and for which partners. In this way, I was able to tell funders like Google that we had translated over 2,000,000 words of climate resources for institutions like UNICEF and Yale. By creating a portfolio of our impact with data and presenting well-prepared materials, I was able to gain the respect of industry professionals and secure partnerships with major organizations. Building a strong personal brand through networking and showcasing successes on platforms like LinkedIn is also crucial. By combining diligent record-keeping and being proactive, Gen Zers can effectively gain the respect and trust of their clients and colleagues.
Sophia Kianni, co-founder / co-CEO, Phia
Communicate with Professionalism
I’ve seen firsthand how professionalism in communication can make a huge difference in how Generation Z is perceived by clients and colleagues. Communicating clearly and respectfully shows that you take your work seriously and respect others’ time and opinions. This builds trust and credibility, which are essential for strong professional relationships. Using proper language, being punctual with responses, and maintaining a polite tone can set you apart. Clients and colleagues are more likely to take you seriously and value your contributions when they see that you’re dedicated and professional. This is one of the most important steps in establishing yourself as a reliable and respected professional.
Ira Prevalova, Marketing Director & Team Leader, Adverity
Embrace Responsibility and Leadership
If you want to be taken seriously, it’s crucial to take on responsibilities. Owning your tasks and projects demonstrates maturity and reliability. Leadership isn’t just about managing teams; it’s also about influencing, inspiring, and driving change. As a Gen Z professional, you have to make it a point to actively seek feedback from your supervisors to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. This shows a willingness to learn and adapt, which is highly valued in any workplace.
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll be taken more seriously if you don’t pretend to know everything. In fact, clients and colleagues appreciate it when you ask questions and challenge the status quo. As part of Gen Z, you need to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions—so don’t hesitate to speak up and share your thoughts! After all, that’s what true collaboration is all about.
Adam Klein, Certified Integral Coach® and Managing Director, New Ventures West
Leverage Digital Nativism Confidently
As a Gen Z professional at my workplace, I’ve learned that one effective way for our generation to be taken seriously by clients and colleagues is to confidently leverage our digital nativity. Because we grew up in a technologically advanced environment, we can bring innovative ideas to the workplace, particularly in the areas of social media strategy, digital marketing, and e-commerce advancements.
We can establish our value by showcasing the innovative ways in which our knowledge of digital technology may be applied to traditional business issues. We showcase our distinct perspectives and contributions by employing innovative digital tools to improve consumer interaction or by utilizing data analytics to direct marketing campaigns.
Also, we must communicate professionally. This goes beyond the fundamentals, such as making sure all written correspondence is well-written and error-free, and involves being considerate and expressive in meetings. These acts help to strengthen our authority as respected professionals.
It’s also important to show flexibility and encourage lifelong learning. Being receptive to learning new skills from others and honing our existing ones shows our commitment to both professional and personal development, in addition to expanding our knowledge.
Incorporating these strategies into our professional behavior as Gen Z can dramatically shift how we’re perceived in the workplace. Through the integration of our expertise in digital with a strong work ethic and a commitment to ongoing development, we can effectively demand recognition and encourage others to acknowledge the worth we provide to our industries.
Kate Geldart, Online Marketing Specialist, Custom Neon
Combine Authenticity with Expertise
For Gen Z professionals navigating the workplace, authenticity is a powerful tool for building respect with clients and colleagues. Embrace who you are—transparent, direct, and fueled by a genuine passion for your work. This genuineness fosters trust and open communication.
Demonstrate your expertise through proactive learning and hands-on experience. Cultivate a deep understanding of industry trends and challenges. Consider building a strong personal brand that reflects your values and knowledge across digital platforms. This establishes you as a thought leader in your field.
Embrace collaboration and take advantage of your unique perspective to innovate and solve problems creatively. Challenge the status quo with well-researched and fresh ideas. Through embodying both authenticity and expertise, you’ll gain credibility and inspire trust and loyalty among peers and clients alike.
Jonas Torrang, Co-founder, IsBrave.com
Exceed Expectations Reliably
I am massively inspired by Generation Z. They are standing up for themselves, their boundaries, and their life outside of work, while deeply caring about their purpose and their life (including work) as a whole.
The easiest way Gen Z can have an impact on clients and build credibility? Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. Be on time for that meeting, knock out that deliverable for your team, speak up, and make your point of view known. Build trust, reliability, and credibility through coming through and exceeding expectations.
Maggie Olson, Owner & Founder, Nova Chief of Staff
Combat Stereotypes with Professionalism
To answer this question, it’s helpful to think about some of the stereotypes surrounding Gen Z’ers: that they don’t want to work, are boundary-obsessed, talk too much about mental health and self-care, and generally lack professionalism and the ability to work well with others. So my advice to Gen Z’ers, if they want to be taken seriously by colleagues and clients, is to be mindful of those stereotypes and to work toward something different. Show up. Engage meaningfully and listen well. Be unfailingly polite and professional. Communicate in complete sentences and with proper punctuation. Take responsibility for your work and your mistakes, and give credit to others as appropriate.
Jennifer Gershberg, Campus Speaker and Course Creator, JG Talks
Enhance Listening and Engagement
Listen like you mean it. Don’t talk, type, or tap your touchscreen more. Instead, listen more. Ask questions. Get clarifications. Be present. Listen like a pro, and they’ll sit up and take notice. Research I recently led, on mapping out skills for success in the AI-driven future, revealed that listening is the key interpersonal skill missing from today’s workplace, according to HR leaders. Listening shows you’ve tuned in, spiking your learning curve and opportunities.
Ana Casic, Media Relations Manager & Research Lead, TalentLMS
Ask Questions with Learning Intent
I believe that showing an attitude of a learning mindset and asking questions with the intention to learn will get clients and colleagues to take them seriously. Knowledge comes with experience, and most of the time, that experience brings respect. So, as Gen Z are working to gain that experience and learning, at least showing the right intent and asking questions to their clients and colleagues in a genuine way would go a long way. Also, if these questions are based on the research and work done by Gen Z beforehand, that would bring credibility and also let others think that they are genuine and have done their homework, or at least tried.
Gaurav Singh, Cyber Security Leader, Under Armour
Prioritize Conviction and Results
Clients and colleagues care about results first, perceptions second. If a monkey with an iPad is leading your team to double their revenue MoM, then trust the monkey!
The 80/20 of sales is conviction. If you know you can get results for a client, show them how and do it confidently. I am a 21-year-old with a team of four, collaborating with large companies, and nothing says more than results.
Austin Petitjean, Founder, Concrete Orchids
Understand Industry and Offer Solutions
One key thing that Gen Z individuals can do to get clients and colleagues to take them seriously is to demonstrate a deep understanding of the industry and the specific challenges faced by the organization. Rather than relying solely on youthful enthusiasm or a fresh perspective, it’s critical to invest time in researching the market, studying industry trends, and gaining a nuanced comprehension of the company’s pain points and strategic objectives. By coming to the table with well-informed, insightful recommendations and solutions, Gen Z professionals can command the respect and attention of their older counterparts. Cultivating a professional demeanor, strong communication skills, and a track record of delivering high-quality work can help overcome any preconceived notions about age or inexperience. Ultimately, the ability to combine innovative thinking with a solid grasp of the business realities will enable Gen Z individuals to establish credibility, build trust, and position themselves as valuable assets to their clients and colleagues.
Saneem Ahearn, VP of Marketing, Colorescience
Practice Clear and Concise Communication
One thing that Gen Z can implement to get treated more seriously would be to communicate effectively. By practicing clear and concise communication, Gen Z can make themselves worthy of being respected in their workplace. Some examples can include being prepared for meetings, writing coherent emails, and listening actively to understand others’ perspectives while being open to constructive feedback. Since we are Gen Z employees, many older colleagues assume we are immature or ‘can’t do’ the job because of our age and lack of experience in the workforce. I’ve personally implemented these tips myself in my content creation development and have seen that people respect me more and are willing to collaborate on more projects because they see that I’m capable of contributing to their growth.
Jason Ramirez, Fashion Content Creator, GODMIREZ
Focus on Pan-Generational Values
Gen Z has so many great qualities that are better than those of older Millennials or Gen X generations, but those qualities are often overshadowed by the effects of social media, the ubiquity of their phones, and the effects of remote work. These generational impacts have brought out anxiety, depression, and social isolation for these Gen Z adults. According to Deloitte, Gen Zers want purpose in their work in lieu of longevity and money, as well as a better work-life balance and mental health support. These are great ideals and are the result of the generational effects discussed above; however, touting these goals without demonstrating the traditional and cross-generational values of hard work, integrity, reliability, teamwork, and respect will really alienate other generations. To be taken more seriously, Gen Zers need to focus on pan-generational ideals first that create trust and respect, and then help other generations see the true value of what they want to fight for.
Michael J Lee, Owner and Plastic Surgeon, MJL Aesthetics
Lead with Authentic Passion
The key for Gen Z to gain respect from clients and colleagues is to be completely authentic. Showcasing true passion builds trust and credibility, while leading by example and aligning actions with personal values inspires confidence. Practices like journaling and meditation help maintain authenticity, and embracing vulnerability fosters a supportive environment. Genuine enthusiasm motivates others, and demonstrating integrity and reliability shows dependability. Authenticity in professional life creates a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Elizabeth Munoz, Spiritual Guide, Holistic Life Coach, Founder, Soulhaven,
