LEADING ACROSS GENERATIONS: PROMOTING COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVITY, AND RESPECT

Abstract

The author, a leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and former elected official and educator; writes about how different generations can best co-exist in workplaces, and how leaders can provide optimum leadership in this new reality: “understanding what makes someone the way they are, and the intricacies of generational differences is paramount to fostering an inclusive environment and culture of belonging for all employees.” She provides concise paragraphs describing these generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, plus the span of years for each generation. For efforts in bridging the generation gap, she suggests, in her words: 1. Immerse yourself in things you don’t understand, and when you do, 2. Practice active listening, 3. Become a change agent, 4. Create opportunities for shared experiences. As she writes, “In general, every employee seeks meaning and purpose in the work they do; they want to feel valued, have supportive leaders, and desire professional growth.” Practical suggestions are provided throughout, and she emphasizes two important factors, in her words: 1. We need to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and 2. Different doesn’t mean wrong. As she concludes, “It’s time to stop trying to ‘fix’ each other; let’s work to understand and connect.”