Written By: Joel Syder
It is always tricky leading a team as many challenges arise. Another wrinkle to the fold is when it is a workforce composed of different generations. The typical living generations in the labor force nowadays are Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, Millenials, and Gen Z-ers. Each generation has their values, experiences, work styles, and ways to be motivated. It is crucial as a leader to understand and respect this.
Baby Boomers are passionate and committed to their work. The generation typically values individual achievement and recognition.
Generation X are the pioneers of the work-life balance mantra. They value working to live over living to work. Their free time is more important to them than money.
Millennials and Generation Z are much more direct and fearless in the workforce. They do not conform to rigid, older generational norms, especially if they seem outdated. These generations have also grown up with technology, so they are typically more competent with using it.
The ability to lead a multigenerational workforce is a vital skill to learn. But leading the different generations does not just mean understanding the differences. It is also about finding similarities and creating an organizational culture that embraces the differences. Finding strength from the differences is critical for any business to be successful.
This is a guide on how to effectively lead a multigenerational workforce.
Maintain a consistent leadership style but enhance your tactics.
When dealing with multiple generations in your team, it is essential to understand that there is no single leadership tactic that will fit everyone on your side. An annual performance review may satisfy a Baby Boomer, but it may not please a Millennial. Generation Z enjoys frequent feedback, but that may not be great for Generation X.
Richard Yun, a leading consultant at 1 Day 2 Write and Next Coursework, says, “it is not an easy task to your change your tactics, but it is a must when dealing with this variety of personalities and expectations. To do this, be self-aware of your procedures. Ask your employees how your procedures work for them and how they would change it.”
There is no room for generational stereotypes and myths
We have all heard stereotypes and myths about other generations. Baby Boomers are sometimes looked at as technologically incompetent, and Millennials are considered lazy. These thoughts about generations need to remain at the door.
Stereotypes are the catalyst for close-minded views about others. Baby Boomers can help teach younger-co workers the ins and outs of a job. Generation Z can help inspire the innovate side of Generation X. Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they understand less about technology.
Hugh Collins is a Human Resource Manager for Write My X and Brit Student. He explains, “avoiding labels is essential in not only the workforce but in life. You do not want to place someone in a box. Let their actions speak for themselves.
Finding commonalities between co-workers is vital to leading the team. Age is not everything. Every person has their personality and experiences and should never be judged based on their generation.
Curb biases during the recruitment process
You need to build your team with diversity. Diversity is an absolute strength in the workplace. Many managers think a great way to foster diversity is by recruiting different ages. Having different life experience on a team helps a lot. A team member will look at problems differently and solve them accordingly. However, diversity is much more about age.
Remember, age is not the only way to bring in diversity. Culture and ethnicity bring in a lot of diversity, as well. Make sure you evaluate your recruitment process and check for age biases. You do not want to recruit someone specifically for their age, and you do not want to say no to someone because of their age, as well. Diversity is about personality and life experience. You can have those at whatever age.
Being a leader of just one generation has many obstacles to deal with. When you become a leader of multiple generations, those obstacles multiply. The best way to deal with these obstacles is to understand the people on your team. Adapting your managerial tactics is typically needed. Follow this guide to lead a team of multigenerational employees effectively.
A writer and team leader at Essay Help and PhD Kingdom, Joel Syder are highly experienced. He harnesses those experiences and uses it to make people more effective leaders in their industry. Syder is a father of two boys, and he uses the last of his spare time as an article writer for Academic Brits.