Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce
As we enter 2022, it is time to not only review your business strategic plan for the new year, but to take a look at your work force. If you utilize consultants instead of employees, you can apply this topic to them as well.
We live in a diverse culture. Embrace it and help make it work for your company or organization.
In my previous corporate role, I routinely interacted with employees and clients of all generations. My interactions were not all the same. Many preferred email as the primary mode of communication while others preferred in person or telephone outreach. How best to determine which mode worked best for each individual? Simple, I Just Asked..
The varied generations I encountered consisted of Baby Boomers,, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Baby Boomers were mostly in senior positions but there were some very talented Milennials and Generation Z individuals running companies. The Z’s tended to prefer the use of technology over a lunch appointment. And the Baby Boomers wanted to look you in the eye as one client told me. If he couldn't look you in the eye, he wouldn't do business with you.
How you approach your work force or your client pool or vendors is critical to moving your firm forward. Take the time to take stock of your interactions, note the generation they fall into, but start with simply asking them how they prefer to receive information.
If you have a small group that will interact with everyone at some point, call a team meeting and discuss communication. A candid discussion of how everyone can best communicate with one another will go a long way to managing expectations.
Be careful not to stereotype. I know Baby Boomers that prefer email over face to face or telephone calls. I know Millennials who prefer to have long conversations in person to discuss ideas. While it may give way to certain predispositions, it should not be used to fully categorize any given person. Do some homework on understanding the generations. At a minimum google them for definitions and expected perceptions. And then Just Ask.
You may be pleasantly surprised what answers you receive when you Just Ask. Talk about how best to send information to them, share this with your team members so everyone has an opportunity to engage with one another in a format that works for them, and watch the efficiencies and smooth flow of dialogue ensue!
Just Ask. Our Blog Photo of the week shows dogs clearly able to navigate among various age groups. While they may Just Bark to reach a productive working camaraderie, we humans can Just Ask.
Be well.
