Have you ever been frustrated when communicating with a colleague or client and felt like they just don’t “get” you? If you’re like many people, you might have wondered if your difficulties were because you and the other person are just very different from one another. But did you know that the most successful teams are comprised of people who view their diversity as an asset? It’s true, when you flip the script and focus on the benefits of being different from the people around you, everyone can reap the rewards.
In the words of one of my Gen X colleagues, “Successful teams foster an environment where all voices are heard and valued, regardless of age or any other demographic factor. They create spaces where team members feel comfortable sharing their opinions and ideas, knowing that they will be respected and considered seriously. This inclusive approach not only enhances team dynamics but also leads to more robust outcomes and a stronger sense of cohesion within the team.”
In the teams I’ve been involved with in recent years, the ages of different people have varied widely. I’m a Xennial (1983) so I’m sandwiched into the microgeneration (1977-1983) of those who don’t quite identify as Gen X (1965-1976) nor Millennials (1984-1994). I’m grateful to have those fun analog memories of childhood (VHS tapes anyone?), remember the days of dial-up internet and was in college when Facebook first launched. I feel like I can relate to those both older and younger than me because of my birth year, but I’ve often wondered how people from other generations view each other — particularly when it comes to workplace communications. My curiosity was piqued not too long ago when I realized I was old enough to be one coworker’s mother but also young enough to be another coworker’s daughter. Cue my midlife crisis!
All jokes aside, I wanted to learn more about how other people feel about age in the workplace, so I surveyed my coworkers to gain some insights into how they view working with one another. I asked them both multiple choice questions and open-ended questions. The survey was anonymous, but respondents can be identified by their generation. Respondents ranged in age, with the majority belonging to Gen X followed by Xennials and Millennials.
Younger respondents indicated it is easier for them to communicate with others around their same age, whereas older respondents indicated the opposite. Perhaps with age comes wisdom in the form of more easily relating to others?
However, all respondents either somewhat or strongly agreed that they enjoy working with people from other generations. It seems that even though it might not always be the easiest route, everyone sees the value gained from their coworkers of other ages.
“I enjoy working with team members of different ages. I learn a lot from experienced colleagues who have been working in this industry for 20+ years, and I also learn a lot from the younger generations, including our intern who is in college and has a lot to bring to the table when it comes to social media and Gen Z travel trends.” —Millennial/Gen Y
“I definitely feel there is value in the opinions and input from the various generations. I have worked with leaders who are much younger than me and also much older than me, and I have also been a leader in this capacity myself. As long as the leader is truly gathering the input from all generations and valuing it equally, it can be a very powerful tool.” —Gen X
Learning From Older Generations – Patience, Perspective and Experience
I asked respondents to describe anything they’ve learned from someone older than them, and the responses illustrated the many benefits of valuing those who came before you. Several people pointed out how important it is to soak up knowledge that can only be gained through years of experience.
“Older individuals often possess a wealth of experience accumulated over their careers. Learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights into navigating challenges, making strategic decisions, and avoiding common pitfalls in professional life. Older colleagues often have a broader perspective on business and life due to their accumulated years of experience. They can offer insights into long-term planning, patience in decision-making, and understanding the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks.” —Gen X
“I've learned not to take things too seriously or personally, and to take a step back and view things from a more strategic, higher level when an immediate obstacle frustrates me.” —Xennial
“I have learned a LOT from older peers and colleagues, especially in the travel industry. With the industry being so fluid, being able to adapt to change is an important skill to have, or to practice. This is something that my first boss taught me when joining the industry. Being able to shift an approach at the drop of a dime is huge and happens regularly in the industry. I feel lucky to have learned a skill like this so early on in my career, as I have been able to continuously practice this throughout my time working in travel.” —Generation Not Listed
Some lessons from older colleagues are more straightforward.
“Patience and time bring perspective and often leads to better results.” —Xennial
“The value of live conversations.” —Xennial
Let’s not let face-to-face communication become a lost art! The nuances you’ll convey and understand from a live conversation cannot really be conveyed when relying on email or text messages.
Learning From Younger Generations – Technology, Change and Creativity
Not surprisingly, several respondents noted that younger people are savvy when it comes to technology, their willingness to adapt and fresh approach.
“Younger colleagues often have a natural fluency with technology and may introduce innovative tools or digital solutions that can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve efficiency in the workplace. They often bring fresh perspectives and creative ideas to the table. Their willingness to question the status quo and think outside the box can inspire innovation, spark new approaches to problem-solving, and drive positive change within organizations. They also tend to be more adaptable and open to change, embracing new technologies, methodologies, and ways of working. Learning from their adaptability, older professionals can become more flexible and agile in navigating evolving work environments and industry trends.” —Gen X
“I love being around people younger than I am. They welcome me, they are fun-loving and bring a new perspective to consider. The world evolves and they have learned things that were not taught in my days. I am grateful for their knowledge and willingness to share ideas. Their creative thinking is amazing.” —Baby Boomer
“Don't be afraid to make a change. If you are not happy with a certain role, job, or life situation, make a change. You are your own best brand (life) ambassador.” —Gen X
“Younger folks have helped me to embrace the ‘you do you’ mentality. I used to be annoyed by other peoples' personality quirks and traits, but I've learned to ignore it and let them present themselves however they want to; it's not hurting anyone!” —Xennial
And for some of us, it seems that the world just keeps on spinning faster as we realize we are no longer the youngest in the room.
“I've learned a lot about social media and keeping up with trends from those younger than me. For the first time in my life, I'm learning what it feels like to be out of the loop when it comes to social media and the Internet and I'm 100% okay with admitting I don't know it all and am happy to lean on my younger co-workers for help.” —Millennial/Gen Y
Is there anything you wish people from other generations understood better about people in your generation?
“Through the years living, we become more understanding and aware of differences. For those who respect those differences, they become more kind with less competition and fewer judgements. Older generations have been where most of you are now in some capacity. We grow and survive. In general people are good when respected.” —Baby Boomer
“Remember to question the world around you. It is not always what it seems. Also, be a leader. Don't be afraid to blaze your own trail.” —Baby Boomer
“Sometimes I wish people from older and younger generations appreciated each other more. I see a lot of younger employees brushing off older employees’ advice, and older employees declining an offer of help from someone younger. Collaboration is key, and working with different age groups isn't something to fear.” —Generation Not Listed
“Younger generations often face stereotypes about being overly reliant on technology or lacking in certain skills or work ethic. However, many young people are highly skilled, hardworking, and innovative individuals who bring valuable contributions to the workplace and society as a whole. Additionally, younger generations often prioritize values such as social justice, sustainability, and work-life balance. Understanding and respecting these values can lead to more meaningful interactions and collaborations across generations.” —Gen X
Overall it seems that those surveyed embrace and appreciate working with people from a diverse age range, and even if communicating across generations can sometimes be a little challenging, they see that the benefits are immense. I don’t think our team could function well without this open-minded approach, and it seems that people are happier both professionally and personally when there is a mutual respect between generations.
And because we couldn’t talk about age without mentioning the infamously expensive brunch treat which somehow makes it impossible to buy a home, here’s a final thought:
“We're hard workers and are more than just hipsters and avocado toast lovers (lol).” —Millennial/Gen Y
About the Author
comments