Do You Have Generational Wisdom?
Considering your job performance and setting aside the idea of formal education, the number one priority for most people is experience. When we consider having a balanced workplace culture and we set aside the feeling of belonging, happiness, or purpose, our number one desire might be gaining or keeping respect.
Working across the five generations that are active in our workforce today we often find that the earlier generations place a significant value on experience while the most recent generations place more value on knowledge. We can also consider that we gain both experience and knowledge when we are learning from each other, regardless of the generation you represent. Traditional’s and boomers can learn much from the millennials and generation Z and vice versa, and that is without even mentioning the savvy generation X people.
Any workforce generation should be interested to learn more about:
- What are we doing different today, as compared to last year [quarter, month]?
- What worked well when we most recently met or exceeded our goals?
- What organizational culture attributes are most consistent and meaningful for our success?
- Are we implementing new and innovative ideas that are cost effective?
- How can we better utilize technology?
Your biggest gain won’t come from comparing differences (a common cross-generational challenge) or focusing on problems, it will come as you and your organization gain wisdom. There is something excitingly special and respectful about an organizational culture that asks good questions, listens well, and is willing to learn. They capitalize on opportunity.
The opportunity for wisdom.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
