For generations, a strong work ethic was relatively easy to recognize. Show up on time. Work hard. Be dependable. Take on additional responsibility. Stay until the job is finished. Those behaviors became familiar signals of commitment because, for much of modern business history, they were closely connected to contribution. But work has changed.

For the first time in modern business, organizations routinely have four generations working side by side. That has created an entire category of leadership advice. Baby Boomers value loyalty. Generation X wants independence. Millennials want purpose. Generation Z wants flexibility.

The employee who arrives early. The manager who responds to emails at 10:30 at night. The team member who never seems to miss a meeting. The high performer who steps in whenever something goes wrong. These are the people leaders notice. And often, they are the people leaders recognize.