Generational differences are real, folks. Our generational tendencies play out in how we live, think, work and play. But, thinking about it as purely generational is too narrow. It's age diversity: age you are now, lifestage you're in, and generation your from.
We've discussed the importance of age, stage and generations before: Generational diversity + inclusion, 5 Generations at work, iGen/Generation Z - the youngest generation at work.
Psst -- If you haven't thought about what age, lifestage and generational inclusion means for your team, let's have a chat!
Here are some rules - and what this means for you at work:
Rule 1: Lots of 'generational differences' are actually lifestage differences
We hear a lot about generational tensions and wars. A lot is sensationalised journalism to drive clicks. But generational tensions have been around and documented since the ancient Greeks when Socrates is quoted complaining about the youth's bad manners and inherent laziness.
The whole kids these days type drama might specifically be kids these days. Or it might be all kids at that age? In which case - it's a lifestage difference, not a generational one.
Jessica Stillman of Inc.com goes all in in her article:
Yes, 20-year-olds have different priorities and life experiences than 50-year-olds. But 20-year-olds now aren't all that different from 20-year-olds 20 years ago...Maybe, just maybe, 20-somethings have been relatively poor, inept, and self-obsessed throughout time. Then they grow up, build wealth and careers, and become frighteningly similar to their parents (again, just me?). That doesn't mean there aren't social and economic trends that impact cohorts over time.
Her argument? It's not generational differences that are the problem - it's generational stereotypes. This Pew Research has concluded that they will only do generational analysis when they have historical data that allows them to compare generations at similar stages of life.
Why? Because when comparing generations we have to control for age. Is it a Gen Z thing or are all teenagers and young 20's like that? Keep this in mind.
Rule 2: Everyone has a generational story - Find it
Everyone has a story about generational differences, clashes or tensions. Everyone. Please call me on it if you don't fall in this category.
I love these types of stories - they can transcend race/cultures (and also connect races and cultures).
Another good rule of thumb for life: If it's important, the Simpsons have discussed it at some stage.
Here, Abe Simpson sums up generational change perfectly.
Homer: You wouldn't understand, dad, you're not with it.
Abe: I used to be with it, but then they changed what 'it 'was. Now what I'm with isn't 'it', and what's 'it' seems weird and scary to me!
Activity: Give people space to share
If everyone has a story, use that to connect people. Sharing stories builds empathy. In this case, we're building generational empathy and awareness to help us understand how and why people show up at work the way they do. Try some of these questions to get the conversation started.
Without revealing your age, what’s something you remember that a younger person wouldn’t understand?
What were some ‘overseas trends’ you remember following as a kid?
How would you get in touch with your friends growing up?
How was school structured? What tools did you use?
What ‘totally rad’ lingo did you overuse as a teenager?
What generational clashes did you have with your parents/their generation? What can you remember rebelling against?
What was popular when you were in school? (TV, movies, trends, songs)
When and how did you learn to use a computer?
How old were you when you got your first cellphone? Describe it.
What are the most used apps on your phone?
Lessons:
We all have a story. We've all experienced the power our age, stage and generation has - which means we understand the value in discussing this topic. The similarities of stories can connect us, the difference in experience can expand our understanding. Both are important - so make time for them!
Rule 3: No generation in isolation: The Tragedeigh Rule
Here's where the rule came from: I was at a meeting with a client and they were spelling out their colleagues name/email. She made the comment, I'll need to spell it for you because it's one of those funny Millennial names.
Ok, but that funny Millennial didn't name themselves, did they?
This is the reminder the no generation raised themselves. Someone else raised them and named them. The rule? It's impossible to think about any generation in isolation.
I used to have a different name for this rule, but I'm pulling from my hip knowledge of Reddit. There's a subreddit called r/tragedeigh where people post about tragic names. Specifically tragedeighs.
Tragedeigh = a given name that has been deliberately misspelled or completely made up to appear more unique than it actually is.
Here are two recent posts:
Both are tragedies. Sorry, tragedeighs. But this Kaetlinne didn't name herself, just like another Caitlyn didn't name herself.
Each family is impacted by the generation before (names are a clue).
Each workplace is impacted by the generation before. Their rules, policies, norms.
If each generation is influenced by those that came before, then discuss this influence.
Activity: Sticking Points
Big fan of Hadyn Shaw's research on generational sticking points. People of different generations can have instinctive expectations and ways of working that have been shaped by how and when they were raised. (Of course there are other lenses that impact this as well). This is normal.
To go beyond stereotyping into understanding - have a chat!
As a team - discuss some of Shaw's 12 common sticking points. Work through expectations as a team on each. What can be flexed and what can be set in stone?
In these 12 areas, generations might respond differently to the following questions:
Communication: What is the best way to interact with my coworkers?
Decision making: How do we decide what to do?
Dress code: How casually can I dress?
Feedback: How often do I want input?
Fun at work: How much fun is allowed at work?
Knowledge transfer: How do we pass on critical knowledge?
Loyalty: When is it ok to move on?
Meetings: What should happen in our meetings?
Policies: Are policies rules or just guidelines?
Respect: How do I get others to respect me?
Training: How do I learn best?
Work ethic/flexibility: How many hours are required? Where and when must I work them?
Interested in learning how to bridge generation gaps or settle generational tensions in your workplace? Get in touch. We'd love to discuss this further!
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