Published: 3/17/2026

I have a PhD.

See how weak that opener was? Let’s try something else.

I’m the founder and managing director of a multinational –

Oof. Here we go again.

I’m the boss and we’re doing what I say.

Now this one is clear and to the point. But does anyone expect to get buy-in with this approach?

Gen Z has grown up differently from previous eras of rote learning, prescribed career paths, and strict obedience to a hierarchy. We’ve learned to question authority and fact-check what was once taken for granted.

On one hand, it’s now more difficult to persuade the younger generation with authority alone. On the other hand, the same tools that have eroded title-based authority can help you create real influence.

And the best part? It’s entirely dependent on you. When you master this, no one else can give it or take it away.

Lead With Results – Give the Conclusion First

This is the age of Tiktok. If you don’t have someone’s attention instantly, you’re getting scrolled on in a second. This may not physically happen in a meeting or presentation, but the mental process is the same.

Who do you want on your team – engaged, committed, A-players? Or doubters who are just there to collect a salary and jump ship for a little more money somewhere else?

To that end, every communication must begin with the results. What does this mean for your employees and partners?

Compare these two real announcements to non-sales staff:

“Congratulations on your accomplishment! Q3 was our strongest sales performance this year. These numbers are the results of your hard work and excellent service. Enjoy your moment.”

Vs.

“Exciting news – Q3 has been our strongest sales performance this year! We recognize your great work at every client touchpoint, and we’re doubling down on it going forward. We’re looking into office upgrades to improve your experience at work, and finalizing plans for the company retreat this December.”

For the first message, do sales numbers resonate with anyone not making a commission or a bonus? It sounds more like Hey, thanks for helping us out while you get nothing. Keep it up! What’s in it for a client-facing employee in this scenario?

As for the second message, within ten seconds, the staff reading this know the impact of their work on their own lives. This type of communication relies on substance and creates far better retention and engagement.

Maybe you’re not in a position to give a bonus or allocate a budget to reward your team. That’s ok too. Just keep your communication honest, personal, and to the point. Honest appreciation goes much further than corporate lip service.

The New Credentials

My friend once said to me: “I got my MBA. I have nothing to prove.”

I shook my head and said Dude, you have everything to prove.

We’re seeing declining trust in all kinds of institutions, and for good reason. Gone are the days of going to college and automatically getting a good job, or getting a better job because you have a more advanced degree. Most people barely use what they learned at university in their careers anyway.

It’s the same with impressive sounding titles. Half of the teams in every major sports league finish with losing records every year. You might be the head coach, general manager, or team captain – but what does that matter if you only lead losing campaigns?

If you want to win people over, don’t tell us about what role you’ve done. We all know managers and directors and higher-ups whom we wouldn’t hire to pick their own nose. Instead, say it with success.

Say it With a Story

Start with your experience instead of your credentials. What have you done that worked? What have you learned from failed attempts? Who has taught you something valuable? What is your track record of and vision for success?

One creator who follows this formula is Kieran Drew. He tells you up front that he’s made over a million dollars from his online business. But instead of saying I’m a millionaire, therefore do what I say, he says I’ve had great success and here’s your roadmap based on my formula. This is far more effective than flashing wealth or titles to garner respect.

This kind of communication builds trust and makes people excited to follow your lead. You might still mention certain degrees, titles, or rankings. That’s perfectly natural. Just let your accomplishments and action plan do the talking first.

Cultivate Influence, Not Just Obedience

Authority comes from multiple sources, many of them external. I don’t expect that to change at all. Hierarchy is part of human nature.

But there’s a new market now – clients, partners, and employees who don’t buy into old-school messaging. If you want to win over the hearts and minds of a new generation, it starts with the results you deliver for them. And that’s as much in how you communicate it as in how you actually do it.

The playing field is more level, but you have a new way to the top. You’re more in charge of your influence than ever before – it all starts when you speak accordingly.