By Mandy Green
2 minute read
Among all the conversations I had last week, one question from a VP of Enrollment stood out:
“What would your advice be for how to better work with a Gen Z admissions counselor?”
Great question. Because how you lead your Gen Z team directly affects how efficiently your office runs, how many students you enroll, and how much time you get back as a leader.
So let’s talk about it.
Gen Z isn’t lazy. They’re not entitled. But they do work differently – and if you don’t understand that, you’ll waste time, energy, and opportunities.
Here’s what I tell leaders who want to work with Gen Z instead of constantly managing around them:
Provide Structure, Not Just Pressure
“Go make calls” or “get more apps” isn’t effective. Gen Z needs clear frameworks and focus. Break down the enrollment cycle into daily blocks:
- Follow-ups
- Application reminders for incompletes
- Visit invites
- Personal outreach
Then check in with short, structured huddles. This keeps energy high and time focused.
Explain the Why
Most Gen Z team members crave purpose. Show them how each task connects to changing students’ lives – and why it matters to your mission. When the work feels meaningful, they go all-in.
Create a Culture of Quick Feedback and Wins
Don’t wait for quarterly reviews. Give real-time feedback – positive and corrective. And celebrate progress, even the small stuff.
Try this: 5-minute end-of-day debriefs where counselors share what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned. That rhythm alone can change team energy fast.
The Bottom Line
If you want to lead better and leverage your team’s time more effectively, especially your Gen Z counselors, you need to shift from pressure to purpose, from broad goals to daily systems.
The result?
A more focused team, a more productive office, and more time for you to lead instead of manage.