Multi-generational Teams Produce Innovation Results
An interesting article on CLOmedia.com analyzes the workplace relationship between Gen X (currently between about ages 30 and 45) and the younger Gen Y. The author asks whether these two generations can partner to make a significant impact on workplace technology and learning, or if the conflicting egos will lead to disparity?
Gen X, says the article, “is commonly portrayed as having middle-child syndrome, always being ignored and underappreciated, as a result of the generations that preceded and followed it. Gen Y is classically characterized as spoiled, empowered, self-confident and technology-reliant. Gen Y’s adoption of Gen X innovations, such as Google, YouTube and Amazon, has inspired technologies like Facebook and Dropbox.”
Citing several studies and surveys, the author makes a positive conclusion.
Despite the differences in the economy and environment in which the two generations grew up, we can find common ground. Gen X and Gen Y have similar perspectives regarding technology. Gen X set the stage for introducing innovative technology and questioning the way things used to be. And, although Gen Y has experienced a lot of bad press, some have up to ten years of experience since they started entering the workplace in 2001, and 27 percent are already managers or executives. Gen Y does understand how companies operate and how to thrive in business. The impact of technology and social media on the learning industry is already evident. Together, Gen X and Gen Y can combine resources and experience to advance company policy around the use of technology, create new and innovative products, and serve as a positive influence on the next generation of workers.
What can companies do to nurture and capitalize on those multigenerational partnerships? There are several steps managers can take to encourage collaboration across generations according to business leaders. First, assign diverse work teams and encourage members to invest time identifying common ground within the team. Be attentive to labels and misperceptions within the groups and make an effort to challenge them. Finally, give all employees the opportunity to succeed by encouraging them to participate in projects that suit their strengths and by holding everyone to equally high standards regardless of age or experience.
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