Signal Gen Z leaders show a stronger appetite for daily reflection than older peers

Summary

McKinsey's 2026 survey looks at how often leaders stop to reflect on their purpose as leaders. Two in five do so at least once a week, and two-thirds do so at least once a month. The demographic breakdown shows that the youngest cohort, Gen Z, has a greater wish to realign with its purpose every day than older generations of leaders do. The report treats regular reflection as the starting point of a personal learning journey in which leaders get to know themselves and accept their imperfections. It links this habit to fearless learning, which it sees as the common thread of human-centered leadership in the next era.