Intergenerational Networking

Editor's Notes

• #20: Discuss & agree uponFrequency of communicationType (weekly or biweekly meeting in person, telecon, written reports) – adjust to fit the various generationsEveryone has a voicePractice, practice, practice getting input from everyoneYou may have to invite newer or quieter folks to speak (speak to by name, or ask anyone if they have questions)Communication adjusted by generation improves resultsGen Y Just a few years out of school—explicit instructions, locations of data, suggested procedure to be followed, required date “You may already know this, but here’s what has worked in the past…”Gen X responds better to : “Here’s the desired outcome. Please send me a project plan and schedule based on the procedure you plan to follow.”Baby Boomers/Matures: Just do it may be enough “This needs to be done.”Conflict EngagementConflict can ignite new ideas and lead to collaboration and creative problem solvingDevelop and exercise a process for raising issues and voicing different perspectivesAdjust Rewards based on generationInstant recognition vs. 6 months laterTime off vs. promotionMoney vs. more responsibilityTitle vs. window officeNew technological gadgetsAvoid assuming that because people are a certain age they will act a certain wayThere are generational trends and norms but there are a lot of people in each generation that don’t fit, likeThe 70-yr-old computer whiz who designs websites and blogsThe 25-yr-old who is not computer literateThe 55-yr-old who runs marathonsThe 45-r-old who volunteers 20 hours a week at the women and children’s shelterInstead of treating other as you like to be treated, find out how they like to be treated and respect them by honoring thatI.e. When working with someone older than you, this means not automatically addressing them by their first name, as you may prefer to be called. Instead, ask such individuals whether they want to be called by their first name or their lastAcknowledge age differenceTalk about how you can learn from each other and help each other be more successfulYou may be surprised by some of the things you have in common as well as each other’s different experiencesCross Generation MentoringTwice a month communication and idea exchangeGreat way to learn/teach and encourage future leadersFuture aspirations and opportunities for your global workforceOffer insight into organization’s or company’s strategic directions“I’m interested in what and how you are doing”While learning about differences among groups helps us work together better..get to know people as individuals if you want to work most effectively with them.
• #23: “I like the idea of explaining the obstacles as long as you can remain objective about it. In other words, don't drift toward the negative. Pull the emotion out of it and talk about the obstacles from a business standpoint and what you did to resolve or overcome the obstacles.” Justin Jones LinkedIn 4/16/13Discuss & agree uponFrequency of communicationType (weekly or biweekly meeting in person, telecon, written reports) – adjust to fit the various generationsEveryone has a voicePractice, practice, practice getting input from everyoneYou may have to invite newer or quieter folks to speak (speak to by name, or ask anyone if they have questions)Communication adjusted by generation improves resultsGen Y Just a few years out of school—explicit instructions, locations of data, suggested procedure to be followed, required date “You may already know this, but here’s what has worked in the past…”Gen X responds better to : “Here’s the desired outcome. Please send me a project plan and schedule based on the procedure you plan to follow.”Baby Boomers/Matures: Just do it may be enough “This needs to be done.”Conflict EngagementConflict can ignite new ideas and lead to collaboration and creative problem solvingDevelop and exercise a process for raising issues and voicing different perspectivesAdjust Rewards based on generationInstant recognition vs. 6 months laterTime off vs. promotionMoney vs. more responsibilityTitle vs. window officeNew technological gadgetsAvoid assuming that because people are a certain age they will act a certain wayThere are generational trends and norms but there are a lot of people in each generation that don’t fit, likeThe 70-yr-old computer whiz who designs websites and blogsThe 25-yr-old who is not computer literateThe 55-yr-old who runs marathonsThe 45-r-old who volunteers 20 hours a week at the women and children’s shelterInstead of treating other as you like to be treated, find out how they like to be treated and respect them by honoring thatI.e. When working with someone older than you, this means not automatically addressing them by their first name, as you may prefer to be called. Instead, ask such individuals whether they want to be called by their first name or their lastAcknowledge age differenceTalk about how you can learn from each other and help each other be more successfulYou may be surprised by some of the things you have in common as well as each other’s different experiencesCross Generation MentoringTwice a month communication and idea exchangeGreat way to learn/teach and encourage future leadersFuture aspirations and opportunities for your global workforceOffer insight into organization’s or company’s strategic directions“I’m interested in what and how you are doing”While learning about differences among groups helps us work together better..get to know people as individuals if you want to work most effectively with them.