Gen Z’s ‘Why Boss’ is Courage, Not Disrespect: Aman Gupta
In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving business landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in the notion that the younger generation of workers is somehow inherently defiant or entitled. However, according to Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, this stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth. In a recent interview, Gupta shared his insights on the “Why boss?” phenomenon that has become a hallmark of Gen Z’s approach to leadership, revealing that beneath the surface lies a value system that prioritizes honesty, exposure, and courage.
For those unfamiliar, the “Why boss?” phenomenon refers to the growing trend among younger workers to challenge authority and question decisions, often using the phrase “Why boss?” as a way of expressing their curiosity and skepticism. While this approach may have been viewed as impertinent or even insolent in the past, Gupta argues that it reflects a fundamentally different set of values and motivations.
Gupta, who has spent years working in the corporate world, drew a stark contrast between his own “Yes boss” approach and the more assertive, questioning attitude of Gen Z. “In my corporate days, I was taught to respect authority and follow orders without questioning,” he recalled. “But I realize now that that approach stifled creativity, innovation, and progress. The ‘Why boss?’ culture, on the other hand, is all about embracing curiosity, inviting dissent early, and working together to find solutions.”
Gupta believes that this shift in values is a direct reflection of the changing times. “Gen Z has grown up in an era of unprecedented access to information and global connectivity,” he explained. “As a result, they’re more informed, more connected, and more empowered than any previous generation. They’re not afraid to speak up, to challenge the status quo, and to demand more from their leaders and their organizations.”
So, what can leaders do to harness the courage, speed, and global perspective that Gen Z brings to the table? According to Gupta, the key is to create an environment that values curiosity and encourages dissent early on. “When we invite people to question our decisions and challenge our assumptions, we’re not only building trust and credibility, but we’re also fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement,” he emphasized.
Another crucial step is to work closely with young talent, listening to their ideas and perspectives, and empowering them to take ownership of their work. “Gen Z is not looking for a handout or a pat on the back,” Gupta warned. “They’re looking for opportunities to learn, to grow, and to make a meaningful impact. By providing them with the right resources, support, and guidance, we can unlock their potential and drive real change in our organizations.”
Gupta also stressed the importance of embracing failure and imperfection as a natural part of the learning process. “We’re so focused on success that we often forget that failure is an essential part of growth and development,” he noted. “Gen Z is more willing to take risks, to experiment, and to learn from their mistakes. By embracing this mindset, we can create a culture that’s more agile, more adaptable, and more resilient in the face of uncertainty.”
In conclusion, Aman Gupta’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that Gen Z’s “Why boss?” approach is not a sign of disrespect or entitlement, but rather a reflection of their values of honesty, exposure, and courage. By embracing this shift in values and creating an environment that values curiosity, invites dissent, and empowers young talent, leaders can unlock the full potential of their organizations and drive real change in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/aman-gupta-gen-z-courage-why-boss-culture/
