When it comes to generational differences, sometimes it can feel like we have nothing in common. Sometimes we need to focus on what unifies us and not what divides us in the workplace to motivate a team to work together. Here are some ways you can do that.
Highlight What Unites Your Team
It’s often easy to see what makes the individuals different on your team. Often, people are more aware of their differences than their similarities, which can make them feel less a part of the team. Highlight the areas that unify your team openly. If your focused on a team at a child care, highlight that you are all early childhood professionals and want what’s best for children. Even if your team is made of members with completely different backgrounds and skill sets, they are all still members of the team and the company, which unites them.
Discourage Generational Stereotypes
Often when we hear seminars or read articles on generations, we feel like we better understand the generation. Understanding is great, but also remember to avoid stereotypes. Just because the stereotype is based on generations doesn’t mean they aren’t divisive or hurtful. Encourage your team to focus on understanding the individual, not the generation.
Build Cross-Generational Teams
Often times, employees will socialize and form teams with people within their generation. Shake up your work environment by creating teams with different generations. This will allow cross-generational training, causing each to learn from one another and to get outside of their comfort zone. Encourage employees to foster relationships with people who are different from themselves and don’t fear conflict. It’s natural for people to dislike change, but reinforce the purpose behind it.
Regardless of where you work, culture within the organization is very important and at the end of the day, it’s the people who create that culture. The important piece to take away is that what makes us different gives us uniqueness and what makes us alike brings us together. We need both in order to have a highly functioning team.