Get Savvy About Generational Myths

Whether you manage employees across generations or you interact with them in the workplace as individual contributors, much has been made about “generational differences.” I refer to this as a myth, not because I don’t believe there are differences when we look at entire groups of a generation, but because of these two reasons: (1) Labels are generalizations and quickly fail us when we apply them to individuals. (2) Labels give us the impression that we understand the person we are labeling.

Here’s an example:

If “Bob” is a baby boomer and he is told he will now be reporting to “LaShawn,” a Millennial, what is Bob going to think? If he’s reading much of what is written about Millennials, he’s likely to think, “Could it get any worse? Now I have a boss that grew up feeling entitled, who has no loyalty to our company and who’s going to be expecting me to praise her management skills every day.”

If that’s how Bob thinks, that would be a mistake.

LaShawn might be thinking, “Could it get any worse? Now I have to manage someone who is behind the times, afraid of technology and expecting me to give my life to the company even if that means sacrificing my family, friends or health.”

If that’s how LaShawn thinks, that would be a mistake

What should Bob and LaShawn be thinking then? More importantly, what should you and I be thinking as we work with and even socialize with those from a different generation? Here are my three tips for connecting across all generations:

Drop the labels. Labels give us the impression that we understand the person we label. Labels are also generalizations full of assumptions and that can be disastrous when it comes to communication. Instead of seeing someone at work as Gen Z, Traditionalist or Baby Boomer, why not see them as an individual?
 
Get to know the person. If we begin with the intent to get to know each other as individuals, we are off to a much better start. I know many Baby Boomers who are on the cutting edge of technology and I know many Millennials who have an incredible work ethic and who hate being praised at the drop of a hat.
 
Learn from everybody. When we get to know each other as individuals, we can learn what each other’s strengths are and learn from each other. Whatever differences we have are an asset, not a problem to be blown out of proportion. If we decide to view each other with respect and ask questions, we will all come out ahead.

-Alan Allard, Career Coach