Managing Multi-Generational Teams
After one of my multi-generational team building workshops, a participant asked:
How can generational awareness be managed correctly, for example in a multiple generational working group, where all the team members might be wanting to adapt to the other generations needs? That could create a lot of confusion.
My answer is: You’re right! This could cause confusion if people don’t understand the context of the situation, which is why I made my generational ‘cheat sheet’. It’s very difficult to remember all the generational traits and nuances during a group meeting. However, even if you just use the generational basics, inter-generational communication will improve immediately.
What are the basics? Here is a summary of the traits of each generation.
Baby Boomers: team focus, consensus driven, value independence and freedom
Generation X: results and metrics focus, pragmatic, like to know the WIIFM (what’s in it for me)
Generation Y/Millennial: use technology to communicate, global citizens, value balance and connections
Remember who you’re talking to, and tailor your language to that person as much as possible, with just one of the generational traits listed above. It’s called the Platinum Rule (Do unto others as they would do unto themselves. In other words, speak their language. When in France, speak French. When talking to a Gen X, speak Gen X, even if you are a Baby Boomer or Millennial.) It takes practice, just like learning a new language. And it’s possible! So I urge you to practice on your friends and close colleagues first, until you feel confident. Then start using it with other colleagues in multi-generational meetings. The results will speak for themselves.
Do you have a generational question? Email me at anne@anneloehr.com and I’ll be happy to answer it for you.
