Leaders Urged to Build Generational Intelligence as Workplaces Evolve

Dr. Ekrah, the National Chairperson of the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges (KENAPCO), has challenged leaders to rethink how they engage in an increasingly multi-generational workforce, warning that blaming Generation Z masks deeper leadership gaps.

Speaking to leaders on the future of work during a leadership training in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Ekrah noted that today’s workplaces bring together Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—each shaped by distinct historical, social, and technological realities.

“Baby Boomers bring institutional wisdom, Generation X offers adaptability, Millennials champion collaboration and purpose, while Generation Z delivers digital fluency, speed, innovation, mental-health awareness, and new work cultures,” she said.

According to Dr. Ekrah, organizations that deliberately foster intergenerational dialogue reap measurable benefits, including stronger knowledge transfer, improved cohesion, higher creativity, and better employee retention. Yet, she cautioned, many institutions are failing to harness this diversity.

“The real question is not whether Gen Z is a problem,” she said. “The question is whether today’s leaders have the generational intelligence required to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.”

She argued that transgenerational engagement must go beyond managing communication gaps and instead focus on weaving legacy, innovation, and mutual respect into a unified workplace culture.

Dr. Ekrah called on leaders across sectors to intentionally create inclusive spaces where every generation is heard, pair mentors,make people feel valued, and empowered, noting that organizations that fail to adapt risk cultural stagnation and talent loss.

Speaking to CEOs,Board Leaders,Directors and Managers at Hyatt Regency Capetown the discussions awakened consciousness in leaders that as much as Cultural Intelligence,Critical Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence are important,In today's leadership generational Intelligence helps reduce friction understanding that a boomer and GenX prefer face to face,a Millenial would be fine with an Email but a GenZ a WhatsApp message is enough while boomers spend hours in boardrooms with discussions that would just have been a WhatsApp group update! Dr Ekrah reminded leaders that 

"Leadership today isn't just about the many good principles we learnt from Peter Drucker, a leader today is forced to re-parent their followers inculcating Coaching and mentorship skills"