Generational Stereotypes in The Workplace
Let’s talk about something that might make you feel a little uncomfortable.
Age.
Whatever age you’re at now, you’re likely surrounded by an array of people from multiple generations. In fact, never before have we witnessed the current spectrum of ages in our workplaces. Think about that for a moment. It’s highly common for a large organisation to include employees who have never known a time without wifi, smartphones and Facebook (!) as well as older employees born into the post-war era who probably remember food rationing and the rebuilding of bombed cities. Mind boggling when you think of that range of life experience!
How does this play out in organisations in 2021?
Having generations work together on the immense challenges facing our businesses (and the world) is one of today’s most exciting opportunities, that we can all embrace and learn from. It could even become a critical success factor as we adapt and pivot in a new world of doing business.
Each generation brings wonderful strength and aspirations, and encourages us to see things from polar opposite extremes.
No-one is more passionate about this topic than my friend and colleague Rachele Focardi.
Prior to her book – Reframing Generational Stereotypes – being released, we had great fun discussing the role of individual and team coaching and how it can help organisations embrace the uniqueness of a multi-generational workforce. I was thrilled when she asked me for quotes for her book!
For me, one of my greatest joys at this point in my career is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people (diverse in age as well as experience and culture!). I am working on various projects at present, and I so value the differing perspectives that I witness, and I continue to learn from each of them!
What are your experiences, challenges and successes working across the generations?
Dr Robyn Wilson focuses on helping leaders tackle the change and challenges they face and journeys with them as they, their teams and organizations navigate these with the aim of becoming stronger, gaining more clarity and with strengthened relationships and personal capability. She is the founder of Praxis Management Consulting.
No Comments