#davesdailychallenge (67): The Generational Differences in Leadership Part 1. At first I attempted to write everything I wanted to about this topic in one piece. 3 pages later I figured out that wasn’t going to work. In accordance with one of the original themes of this series, that is each piece being short enough to read and digest quickly enough to ensure people actually read them instead of falling prey to “too long didn’t read” syndrome, this will be the introduction to a new challenge surrounding the generational differences in leadership style and, more importantly, what everyone can learn from other groups. This material is very important to our modern age. I encourage you to read it, digest it, share it, ask questions, and tell me what you think. I promise you it is worth it. 

In today’s world the term “millennial” has unfortunately become a dirty word to many senior leaders. The term conjures up ideas of lazy, entitled twenty-somethings that expect everything from day one and don’t have the maturity or work ethic to hack it in the high stakes modern world. To paint an entire generation of young Americans with such a broad brush is ludicrous. In fact I have personally led many from the millennial generation and they are still among the finest people I’ve ever had the chance to know. Stereotypes don’t spawn from nothing, however, so it is important to realize, especially if you’re a young professional, that some in your generation live up to the image. The term “baby-boomers” or even “Gen X” brings it’s own share of imagery. Many young people look at older generations as out of touch, stove-piped, analog dinosaurs that struggle to survive in the modern digital world defined by its rapid pace of change. This is, naturally, also false when looking at the entire generation of older leaders. Many defy these stereotypes and exude creativity, nimbleness, and advanced comfort with modern technology. Similar to younger generations though there are indeed examples that fit the negative mold. I personally come from a unique place. If you look at my age alone I am a part of the millennial generation, although just barely, but my upbringing and professional background has developed unique, very non stereotypical millennial traits. All of the above descriptions are really only important to prove one vital point: these labels are at best inaccurate and at worst downright harmful to organizational performance and culture. You must take the person as they are and take the time, especially as a leader, to truly know your people. I know you’ve heard me say that before. Engaged leadership is at the core of everything. 

Building on this important point of generational stereotypes let’s look at the what really matters for any team consisting of mixed generations, which hopefully you’re lucky enough to have. The bottom line is that millennials and the huge numbers of young people coming into the workforce have a great deal to learn from older generations about a great many topics. Older generations, generally in leadership or managerial positions at this point in their careers, also have a great deal to learn from younger team members. The take-away is that a culture of compassion and learning must be created within the team in order for this mutual state of learning to take place. Younger team members can learn about the importance of such things as timeliness. If an appointment starts at 11am you should be there 10 minutes early. The habitual attitude of many, admittedly of all ages, to show up in a ballpark time can be an immediate deal breaker to many people, especially leaders of older generations who often see it as a sign of disrespect and laziness regardless of what it really is. They see it as indicative of your larger capabilities and personality. 

Older generations can learn about the changing face of work from their younger team members, especially if their primary customer base centers around younger people as so many businesses do. Younger generations naturally shape a great deal of our culture at large and naturally the products that become available transform to meet new needs. If older generations allow their viewpoints and thinking to stagnate they will find themselves out of business sooner rather than later due to the inability to market and perform in the world we actually live in instead of the world they would prefer. 

Look at social media as an example. Many from older generations look at people from younger generations, who are generally glued to their smartphones, and shake their head wondering why these young people don’t just look up and actually experience the world around them for a change instead of the Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat filtered world. They have a point. If you’ve been following me you’ve already read my thoughts on the idea of reminding ourselves from time to time that we are wild things not domesticated house cats. One important point here, however, is that the vast majority of younger generations experience their modern world to include shopping, friendships, entertainment, escapism, education, philanthropy, and adventure through the 5” screen on their smartphones. It doesn’t matter whether it is right or wrong. It matters what is actually happening in the world we live in and this is the present. The future will be immersive virtual reality and I think we’ll consistently see people of all ages with VR headsets attached to their faces during the majority of the day within 20-30 years.

In conclusion, the most important take-away is that we all have something to teach and something to learn, whether passively or actively. As members of organizations and professional teams I challenge you to look at those not like you through the lens of compassion and openness. Ask yourselves “what are they good at and what can I learn from them?”. If you can create a culture that promotes this practice you will find a much happier, cohesive, and mature team of professionals. This team will be armed with the best practices of the past, that are often timeless lessons for excellence, and have clear eyes toward the present and future. You will be in front of the age of flux not surprised by it. 

Good luck my friends!