"That which seems the
height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in
another." ―Adlai E. Stevenson
There are often conflicts
between various generations in the workplace due to generational gap. In this
regard, we will discuss various generational cohorts and offer tools and
techniques to build generational compatibility among various generations in the
workplace to achieve productivity and performance.
It is essential to apply
different strokes to different generations. Several generational cohorts are
working in organizations including baby boomers, GenX, GenY (millennials), and
Gen Z. Gen Z is the recent entrants into the workplace. The Gen Y and Gen Z
appreciate soft leadership, unlike older generations who prefer other
leadership styles.
Strategies
to Lead Generational Diversity
“Everyone has something to
teach and everyone has something to learn.” —Desmond Tutu
Generational diversity helps
empathize with each generation and learn various aspects without any ego. It offers
opportunities such as innovation and creativity exploring simple solutions to
complex issues in the workplace. To lead generational diversity, let us look at
the similarities, not differences. Let us treat different generations as
different flowers in a bouquet that add beauty and spread fragrance. Let us
change our perceptions about generations from conflicts to collaboration. Let
us understand the aspirations and expectations of each generation and customize
leadership strategies accordingly. Here are some strategies to lead
generational diversity in the workplace. Avoid stereotyping each generation.
View from a fresh perspective. Customize communication as per each generation.
For instance, millennials prefer working remotely and communicating through
texting whereas the older generations prefer working in the office and
communicating through telephone. Build mixed teams of various generational
cohorts to build chemistry among them. Encourage reverse mentoring where
millennials mentor the older generations. Reverse mentoring is advisable
especially in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Fourth Industrial
Revolution. It helps the older generations learn and adapt to the latest technology.
They also thank millennials for sharing their knowledge. Customize the method
of giving feedback to each generation. Offer cross-generational coaching and
mentoring. Above all, break barriers and
build bridges to lead generational diversity in the workplace.
Conclusion
“Be kind, don't judge, and
have respect for others. If we can all do this, the world would be a better
place. The point is to teach this to the next generation.” ― Jasmine Guinness
Each generational cohort
has a different mindset, skillset, and toolset. Leaders will be able to create
a unique mindset, skillset, and toolset by bridging the gap between various
generational cohorts. To conclude, build generational compatibility in the
workplace to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness.
“The error of youth is to
believe that intelligence is a substitute for experience, while the error of
age is to believe experience is a substitute for intelligence.” ―Ernest
Hemingway
References
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Professor
M.S. Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership
Consultants, India
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