Breaking Through Barriers of Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce

Most of us know we need generational diversity to secure both the success and future of our organizations. However, we also know getting everybody together on the same page is often challenging.

Leadership Is a Team Effort

You can’t lead without people following you. If you glance behind you and no one is there, you’re just out for a walk. Success is about strategy and an understanding of intentions – as well as developing the skill, experience, discretion, and insight to make you the best individual to lead.

As a leader, you may be overseeing a small team where you need to adapt your skills to your individual capabilities and the realities of a certain situation. Your ability, your sense of strategy and your insight into human behavior will allow you rise to the top.

Overcoming Obstacles

Overcoming multigenerational workforce obstacles will take different types of leadership tools and skills. Reflect and define barriers you may need to break. When you listen and understand the needs of your team, it goes a long way to creating a workplace where everyone feels value - because it is based on their individual merit.

Reach out to team members who excel at strengthening relationships and draw on their insight. Using tools at your disposal makes you a Renaissance leader.

Where To Start: Focusing on Getting Results

Results begin when intergenerational mentoring occurs among team members. Mentoring transmits knowledge and skills throughout your organization, which is worth the time and effort you put into them.

Mentoring also helps people from different generations better understand each other, especially when it comes to work style, priorities, and value to the organization. You might be surprised at how effectively this type of understanding breaks down barriers to collaboration, communication, and tolerance. This can include using different digital media and meeting formats.

Accepting a New Multi-Generational Reality

You will have more generations in the workplace because people are working longer than ever before. Relieve yourself of any doubt you have about managing a multigenerational team.  Demonstrating flexibility shows you have the skill set and ability within you. Combining the extensive experience of older generations of employees with the newer skillset and techniques of younger generation employees allows for success.

What types of leadership tools and skills do you use to overcome your multigenerational workforce obstacles to create an inclusive and efficient workplace?