The balance of tried and tested methods versus innovation means that any company can benefit from intergenerational teams. Still, there are some do’s and don’ts if you’re going to reap the benefits.
Here are 3 management tips for a start.
Adapt Communication Styles
You want to tailor communication methods to acknowledge the diverse preferences and technological proficiencies of team members so that information is effectively conveyed and received, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration.
So:
- Doing a bit of research to understand how different generations like to communicate is key. You want to get a handle on what platforms or methods they gravitate towards
- Using a mix of communication tools such as Slack, Zoom, email, or face-to-face meetings is often a good idea. It means everyone can pick what suits them best for the task at hand
- Offering some training sessions or resources can really help team members understand how to adapt their communication styles. It’s all about making sure everyone is on the same page
Say you’re kicking off a project to help seniors with your team of varying preferences. It’s a good idea to acknowledge this and set up a communication protocol that covers different platforms. This way, everyone feels comfortable chiming in and sharing their thoughts.
Cross-Generational Mentoring
Often, cross-generational mentoring means opportunities for skill development and innovation while fostering a supportive and collaborative team culture.
You want to:
- Set up structured mentorship programs to pair experienced employees with younger counterparts based on skill sets, interests, or career goals
- Encourage younger employees to mentor older colleagues. It means fresh perspectives are shared and everyone benefits
- Have regular feedback sessions to help evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring relationships. It’s how you can keep things on track and make sure everyone’s getting what they need.
Say you’ve got a seasoned professional in your team who’s a wizard at project management. Pairing them up with a junior team member hungry to learn can be a game-changer. Regular catch-ups and shadowing sessions mean skills and insights get passed down the line, benefiting everyone.
Focus on Results
Emphasizing outcomes over processes means that your team is encouraged to leverage their strengths and creativity to achieve shared objectives, regardless of age or work style.
So:
- Set clear, measurable objectives that focus on the desired results and keep everyone on the same page
- Embrace agile methodologies that emphasize flexibility and allow for experimentation
- Check-in periodically to review progress towards goals to keep things moving in the right direction and keep everyone motivated
Instead of getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty details, why not set ambitious yet achievable goals for your team? Give them the freedom to figure out the best way to get there. With regular check-ins and feedback loops, you’ll be amazed at what they can achieve.
There’s no reason why an intergenerational team can’t do great work together. Consider these management tips.
Comments are closed.