Messaging is where strategy meets humanity—and that’s where the magic happens
Why the 4Ms Matter to Me
When I first created the 4Ms Framework—Managing, Mentoring, and Motivating—it was built around what I wished I had earlier in my leadership journey. I envisioned a practical, actionable guide to help leaders show up with clarity, empathy, and intention.
However, I realized something was missing as I worked more closely with Millennial and Gen Z professionals. These generations expect transparency, crave authenticity, and respond to communication that feels real and relevant. That’s when it became clear: the original four Ms weren’t enough without a connective thread—Messaging.
So, I added a fifth, bonus “M” to the framework: Messaging. This wasn’t just an afterthought—it was the missing ingredient. Messaging is the invisible force that brings the rest of the framework to life. Without intentional communication, even the best strategies remain stuck on paper.
This framework was born from real-world leadership—guiding teams through change, building brands from the ground up, and mentoring emerging talent across industries. As we close out this series, it's only fitting that we focus on the element that makes every other “M” work: how we communicate.
Why Messaging Matters:
It Aligns Hearts and Minds: Messaging creates shared understanding. When teams know where they’re going and why it matters, they work with greater commitment and cohesion.
It Builds Trust and Transparency: Clear and frequent communication reinforces psychological safety and organizational stability, especially during times of change or uncertainty.
It Humanizes the Data: Messaging translates performance metrics and strategic priorities into stories that make people feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Messaging: The Leadership Superpower That Starts with Listening
We’ve explored how Managing, Mentoring, Motivating, and Measuring shape impactful leadership. But to bring those principles to life—especially for Millennial and Gen Z teams—there’s one more "M" that binds them all: Messaging.
Messaging isn’t just about what you say. It’s how you say it, who you say it to, how you make people feel—and most critically, what you hear in return.
Why Messaging Matters More Than Ever
Millennials and Gen Z expect transparency, authenticity, and shared purpose. They’re not looking to be managed traditionally—they want to be engaged, heard, and aligned with a vision they believe in. That alignment starts with clear, intentional messaging from leaders. For new leaders, particularly those rising within or managing younger teams, messaging is not a “soft skill”—it’s a strategic asset.
Start with Listening, Not Talking
The foundation of strong messaging isn’t crafting the perfect pitch—it’s listening—not just casually but deeply, intentionally, and consistently. In today’s hybrid, fast-paced environments, assumptions about what drives and inspires people can quickly become outdated or off-base.
Effective leaders don’t just communicate—they tune in. They listen to what their teams say in meetings, express themselves through body language, share in chat messages, and even communicate in silence. This kind of attentive listening forms the backbone of a messaging strategy that builds authentic, lasting connections.
Messaging Across Generations: What Millennials and Gen Z Want to Hear—and Feel
Millennials: The “Why” Generation
Millennials value clarity, collaboration, and above all, purpose. They want to know how their work fits into the bigger picture and why it matters beyond the bottom line.
What they respond to:
Context is King: Messaging that links their work to broader organizational or societal missions resonates deeply.
Two-Way Communication: Millennials seek leaders who are accessible, open to dialogue, and willing to engage in honest conversations rather than just deliver polished statements.
Visual + Verbal Storytelling: Raised in the age of digital media, they are especially responsive to visual aids like infographics, videos, and compelling slide decks that enhance meaning.
What works:
“Here’s how your work contributes to our broader mission.”
“Let’s walk through the results together—what we learned and what’s next.”
“I’d love your perspective on what this means for the team.”
Gen Z: The “Now” Generation
Gen Z seeks leadership that listens first, responds fast, and stands for something. As the most digitally native and socially aware generation, they expect messaging that is transparent, inclusive, and aligned with core values.
What they respond to:
Instant, Interactive, and Authentic: Messaging should be timely, honest, and delivered with humility. Gen Z values leaders who communicate like real humans, not corporate personas.
Values-Driven Communication: They want to work for organizations that are vocal and visible about their principles, especially on social and environmental issues.
Inclusive and Collaborative Messaging: Gen Z doesn’t want to be passive recipients of information—they want to help shape the message and the mission.
What works:
“We’re making these decisions because of X, and we’d like your input on Y.”
“Here’s what we stand for—and how we hold ourselves accountable.”
“This is what success looks like, and here’s how you’re part of it.”
The Leadership Payoff: Trust
When you lead with listening, you don’t just craft better messages—you build deeper trust. Trust is the most valuable leadership currency in today's workplace.
Millennials and Gen Z are not just looking for information but for connection, transparency, and shared purpose. When leaders take the time to hear before they speak, they signal respect, foster inclusion, and inspire action.
Strong messaging starts with strong listening. Speak less to say more—and say it in a way that resonates, empowers, and endures.
Tailoring Communication to Generational Preferences
Once you’ve listened, the next step is adapting your communication style. Each generation has its own rhythm and style, and leading effectively means meeting people where they are without losing clarity or consistency.
To lead effectively today, it’s not enough to send a message—you must shape it in a way that resonates with how people actually communicate. Understanding the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z, who now make up the largest share of the workforce, is crucial for building trust and engagement.
Millennials still lean heavily on email as their go-to channel, with 72% reporting it as their preferred method of communication in professional settings. However, they’re also highly fluent in digital collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Asana, which they use regularly for team updates, quick check-ins, and informal conversations. They value transparency and meaningful dialogue, so overly formal or impersonal messaging tends to fall flat.
Gen Z, the first truly digital-native generation, communicates with a different rhythm. According to recent studies, they are 73% more likely to favor quick, visual formats like short videos, GIFs, or chat apps over lengthy emails or scheduled meetings. In fact, 60% of Gen Z professionals say they avoid phone calls whenever possible, citing a preference for fast, intuitive, and non-intrusive messaging.
One unifying theme across both generations is a strong desire for authenticity. Whether it’s a CEO’s email or a team huddle update, Millennials and Gen Z would rather hear something human and honest—even if imperfect—than a polished but hollow corporate message. They gravitate toward leaders who communicate with clarity, humility, and purpose.
Crafting the Right Message: The 3C Rule
To lead with clarity and purpose, keep your messaging grounded in the 3Cs:
Clarity – Don’t overcomplicate. What do you need your team to know, feel, or do?
Consistency – Say it often, across channels. Repetition builds understanding.
Connection – Show empathy. Tailor your tone to reflect what your team values and is experiencing.
Messaging as a Culture Shaper, your message becomes your brand as a leader. It shapes culture, sets expectations, and establishes psychological safety. When you listen with curiosity and speak with intention, your team feels seen and supported, and performance follows.
What I’ve Learned About Messaging as a Leader
If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that communication isn’t just a leadership tool but leadership in action. Every message you send, every word you choose, and every moment you take to listen helps define the kind of leader you are.
For those stepping into leadership for the first time, especially Millennials and Gen Z leaders finding their voice, don’t underestimate the power of intentional messaging. It doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be authentic, consistent, and grounded in empathy.
Messaging is where strategy meets humanity—and that’s where the magic happens.