July 13, 2024

Tips for Being a Sigma Leader! (In Gen Alpha Slang)

If you’ve seen terms like “skibidi,” “sigma,” “sus,” and “drip” popping up in your feed, you’ve already gotten a taste of Gen Alpha slang! This new generation is bringing a fresh wave of language and culture that’s as tech-savvy as it is playful. 

Let’s explore a handful of Gen Alpha slang terms and see if we can use them to describe effective leadership!

First, who’s Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha refers to the group of people born from around 2010 onward, and they’re the first generation to be totally immersed in tech from birth. Forget Millennials and Gen Z—these Gen Alphas are running the show with their iPads before they can even walk. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and all the latest apps are their playgrounds, and with that comes a whole new lexicon of slang that might leave you feeling like you need a translator.

So let’s try decoding some of these Gen Alpha slang terms while explaining what it takes to be a sigma…err successful leader. Let’s gooooooo!

8 leadership tips (In Gen Alpha slang)!

1. Be a sigma Leader

“Sigma” is generally being used to describe something or someone as cool. It can also mean being confident in a humble, independent way. So being a “sigma” leader means doing your thing with quiet confidence, not being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about earning respect through your actions rather than words. Sigma leaders are self-reliant, independent, and they inspire others with their calm and collected demeanor.

Tip: Foster healthy self-confidence by trusting your abilities and decisions. Work on lessening your inner critic, yet stay humble and approachable. Your balanced self-assurance will naturally encourage your team to follow your lead.

2. Flex your drip

In the land of Gen Alpha, “drip” refers to someone’s stylish outfit. Although lookin’ fly doesn’t hurt, leadership drip is more than that — it’s about your overall presence and vibe. Showcase your authentic personal brand and stand out by being true to yourself, in style, energy, and words. Don’t just try to fit in; confidently express who you are.

Tip: Embrace your unique style and let your personality shine. This genuine vibe is your leadership drip, and it will inspire others to do the same. Plus, a little bit of swagger never hurt anyone.

3. Don’t be sus

“Sus” is short for suspicious, and in the workplace, it’s about transparency and trust. If your team thinks you’re being shady or holding back, you’re not going to get very far.

Tip: Be open with your team about your plans, decisions, and even your mistakes. Build an environment where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.

4. Channel that wacky Skibidi Toilet

“Skibidi Toilet” comes from a viral YouTube series about an army of toilets who try to take over the world. It’s quirky, funny, and kinda makes no sense (also pretty violent, fyi 😬). You can learn more about it in this Know Your Meme explainer video or watch this quick original reference video. The slang term can be used in different ways, but seems to most often describe something as bad, shady, or absurd.

Whatever it means, there’s no denying it’s wacky. As a leader, bringing a bit of humor and silliness into the mix can make a difference in boosting team morale.

Tip: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Use humor to diffuse tension and build a positive work environment. A well-timed dad joke or a fun team activity can be the light-hearted moment that your team needs to recharge.

5. Be the GOAT

“GOAT” stands for Greatest of All Time. Although it’s usually reserved for legends like Michael Jordan or Serena Williams, you can be the GOAT of your team by setting high standards and leading by example.

Tip: Strive for excellence in everything you do. Encourage your team to push their limits and recognize their achievements. Celebrate wins together, no matter how small.

6. Keep your squad tight

In Gen Alpha speak, your “squad” is your team, your crew, your people. A tight squad means strong relationships, mutual respect, and a shared vision.

Tip: Invest time in getting to know your team members personally and professionally. Create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included. Team-building activities and regular check-ins can help keep your squad tight.

7. Sip the latest tea

Sipping the “tea” means being in the know about the latest buzz or gossip. While we’re not about the gossip side, we are all about staying tuned into new trends, tech, and valuable insights. For a leader, it’s crucial to remain informed and adaptable in an ever-changing world.

Tip: Encourage continuous learning and development. Be curious and foster a culture where knowledge is shared and valued. This helps you and your team stay relevant and innovative.

8. Lead with vibes

“Vibes” can’t be underestimated. The energy you bring to your leadership role sets the tone for the entire team. Positive vibes can lead to higher engagement, better collaboration, and overall happier team members. Make sure it’s giving…Ted Lasso level optimism.

Tip: Focus on fostering a positive work environment. Show appreciation, celebrate successes, and support your team through challenges. Leading with optimism will help maintain a motivated and productive team.