Every generation gets judged by previous and new generations. Millennials think Baby Boomers are old-fashioned, and the Baby Boomers think Millennials are lazy. Both generations, however, think Gen Z is just weird.

Baby Boomers and Millennials are correct to think Gen Z is weird. How can it not be?

Gen Z is the first to have been raised with screens as its nanny and social media as its social circle. Typically, each generation surrounds itself with those from its generation, but the workplace is where the three generations collide.

For many years, I had the typical corporate 9-5 job. I learned many good lessons during those years, but the most profound lesson I learned was that Gen Z is the most difficult generation to manage and lead.

Gen Z is not punctual. During my time in management, the most consistent disciplinary conversation was around punctuality and attendance. Being on time seems like such a simple concept, but it is only simple if it is taught in the home and reinforced in school. Surprisingly, punctuality and attendance are no longer expected and, in fact, can now be considered “white supremacy.”

Gen Z is not present. This is the first generation that has been raised on social media. Every second of every Gen Zer has been documented. They are on social media, making it hard for them to be present and in the moment, so it’s hard to keep their attention. At times, my employees would ask if we could take a picture for Snapchat to let everyone know we were having a performance conversation. I could tell when their mind was on what they last saw on Instagram or Tinder, and that is why I learned to ask questions and let them do most of the talking.

Gen Z is anxious. This generation does not know how to experience emotions. This could be because our current medical model is quick to prescribe medication, or it could be the constant digging of feelings in school via social and emotional learning. The feeling of sadness is no longer just that; it is now depression. And nervousness is now anxiety, not just a passing emotion. It was sad to see Gen Zers so anxious that it affected their work performance. It was even sadder to see them take medications and slowly witness them become numb and emotionless.

It’s hard to be compassionate and understanding of Gen Zers, and I realize that I was hard on them because I didn’t understand their upbringing. What keeps me optimistic about this generation is that when you do engage them in conversation, they are hungry for truth and longing for guidance. In fact, many are waking up from the propaganda fed to them in public schools and colleges and turning to truth and tradition. We must be willing to be patient and willing to engage them in conversation.