Aha! Moment Monday
For the first time in history we have five generations in the work force. To say it’s a learning experience is an understatement. But we need all of you.
Each generation was born into a time that is credited for shaping their perspective and values. The fact that we think differently because we experienced differently in our developmental years may be cause for eye-rolling cynicism from other gens might be our greatest corporate strength.
Let’s have a look
The 50’s was all about innovation. Those born of this era have, “… a tremendous ability to understand complex structures and objectives … and an admirable ability to not sweat the small stuff”says Marian Salzman, CEO of Havas PR. Those of the 60’s have a rebellious power and know how to shake things up. While known for being skeptical, the 70’s group is resourceful and great at bridging relationships amongst other generations. We love to hate-on millennials for their aversion to structure but they bring a level of connectedness like no others. And then we have the 90’s offspring who, as Marian points out, are, “Empathetic and accepting, they are natural collaborators and realistic about challenges.”
Big-picture + change-agent + resourcefulness + connectivity + collaboration = a team that is in tune with where they are, where they need to go and how they need to get there.
So why does this diverse environment look more like chunky stew than a creamy soup? Have we allowed our conditioning to create growth-strangling discrimination?
Aha! ~ “Turn judgment into curiosity” ~ Chip Conley, Hotelier and founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality
We have to be both mentor and an intern, to know when to lead and when to follow.
Each generation, purely by what they were born into, have their own “normal”. We can choose to rule out their normal as a misalignment to our “normal” or we could look for their unique gifts that add an element of flavour to an enticing place to work and do business.
Develop an appetite for diversity.
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