Drivers of Success: Diverse Ideas and Knowledge from Multi-generational Workforces

These days, generational differences are greater than ever in the workplace. You're likely to have as many as four different distinct age groups working together in your organization. 

This range of philosophies, priorities, knowledge and ideas creates a diverse environment. You can let that diversity become — or remain, as the case may be — a challenge, or else you can harness it for your team's success.

I sometimes think about this in terms of golf. Sometimes it's nice to play with people who all think and feel the same way about the game, but it can limit your growth. You need a mixture of approaches to advance your vision.

Recognizing Generational Differences

If I was playing a practice round and saw another (probably younger, I will admit) player using a phone to map the green and plan the perfect putt, I might feel any mixture of indignance, interest or bemusement. Regardless of how I feel about it, the fact is this other player has access to unique information I do not.

Specifically, this other player has a map that places the ball in the context of every slope, along with exact degrees of incline and angles for the fall lines. It is also in a format I probably would rather avoid out on the course: an application on a smartphone.

Acknowledging Everyone's Unique Contributions

Reading the green is an essential part of the game for me. I have developed it throughout my years of practice, I believe it is important for successful play and I respect the ability when I see it in others.

Even so, I admit that lining up a putt is about more than skill. My experience also gives me an edge over newer players. This is especially true on courses I've played a few times.

When I replay a course, I am not simply using an analytical skill to read the green. I have my own set of unique information: what I remember about the hole. This other hypothetical player would be using something different: a mobile phone application.

Bringing Different Approaches Together

Now, I might learn to use this app. What's more likely — and more important — is the potential for an interaction that benefits everyone. I might get some information from my fellow player's app, or I might share something from my own experience.

When tackling generational differences as a leader, the important thing is you encourage everyone to contribute to your team's success by actively sharing their unique skills, knowledge and ideas. You do this by establishing a culture that recognizes, encourages and rewards complex collaboration.

Leading a Diverse Team

To sum up: Multi-generational workforces produce ideas and provide knowledge well beyond that of non-diverse teams. This will be a major benefit if you focus on handling this complexity at the organizational level.

Forming a culture that includes everyone is the first step. It will take some work, but it will drive collaboration and reduce generational conflict.