Effective Leadership: How to Deal With Generational Differences in Your Team

Every generation has unique work styles and preferred communication methods. If you are an executive leading a multigenerational team, you may find it hard to encourage collaboration. Besides, you may often deal with communication barriers that frustrate employees or cause tension.

While such a team can be harder to lead, it also presents many growth opportunities. For instance, it encourages mutual learning and helps older workers be more tech-savvy.

So, how can you bridge generational gaps and ensure everyone works towards common goals? Continue reading for some practical strategies.

 

👉 Understanding the Generations in Your Team

It’s common to have stereotypes about different generations if you don’t interact with them enough. But, to be a great leader, you must understand each category instead of relying on assumptions.

The generations that might be on your team include:

• Baby Boomers- born between 1946 and 1964
• Generation X- born between 1965 and 1980
• Millennials- born between 1981 and 1996
• Generation Z- born after 1997

Most people know baby boomers for their dedication to their careers. They value hard work and have a strong work ethic. Besides, they prefer face-to-face communication and have a high respect for authority. However, some aren’t open to using technology and may not be up to date with tech trends.

Many Gen Xers are independent thinkers who value work-life balance and are okay with using technology. Moreover, they prefer direct communication and love investing in education.

Millennials are often tech-savvy and driven employees who love collaboration. They appreciate feedback from their peers and bosses and love having some flexibility.

They are also continuously looking for career growth opportunities. Millennials are most likely to challenge traditional work hierarchies and prefer informal communication.

The newest group in today’s workforce is  Gen Z, who grew up with tech in their daily lives. They value diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and highly regard social responsibility. Most of them want clear boundaries between their work and personal life.

Every generation has its strengths and a unique view of the workplace. As a leader, you must know and use these differences to create a better team.

 

👉 Allow Some Flexibility

Flexibility is the most important aspect of managing a team with different generations. Ensure that your leadership style accommodates every employee’s needs and preferences.

Older members of your team will most likely prefer a structured environment. On the other hand, younger workers love a laid-back vibe where they can collaborate with others anytime. They also prefer job roles that are a bit fluid and those that allow creativity.

Instead of looking at these differences as an issue, use them to make your team more flexible. Allow employees to handle tasks they find engaging and interesting. Encourage your older employees to embrace collaboration tools used in the workplace.

Flexibility also means accepting that every worker has a unique learning pace. Some may quickly adjust to change in the work environment, but others will resist it.

Stay open-minded and try to find a middle ground whenever possible. Doing so can inspire every generation to learn from the other, helping your team be more productive.

 

👉 Encourage Effective Communication

Proper communication is vital when dealing with generational differences in your team. Baby Boomers tend to prefer formal, face-to-face meetings or phone calls. They value direct communication and like a personal touch when discussing important issues.

Gen Xers are comfortable with face-to-face communication but prefer direct and efficient methods. These include messaging apps, email, and quick phone calls.

Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, love digital communication, such as instant messaging. They also enjoy using collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. In many cases, they prefer shorter and more frequent communication instead of sitting in for long meetings.

Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate these preferences

• Tailor your communication method to every employee
• Encourage open dialogue
• Have clear communication expectations

Tailoring your communication methods makes managing your team seamless and efficient. If one of your team members prefers phone calls, call them when you want to pass on some information. Then, send texts to those who work well with written communication.

Adjusting your approaches might be time-consuming, but it has many benefits. For example, it ensures the recipient understands your message to avoid confusion. Besides, it makes them feel valued and not forced to conform to your preferences.

Working in a team that ignores needs and interests can make employees feel out of place. They may think you don’t appreciate what they bring to the table, which can affect their morale. Tailoring your communication ensures no one feels left out.

When you work with different generations, you must have clear communication guidelines. They don’t have to be rigid, but it is good for everyone to know what you expect from them.

Inform your team about the communication methods you prefer for each situation. For example, you can allow them to use instant messaging when they have a quick question. On the other hand, let them book a meeting when they want to discuss projects in detail.

 

👉 Utilize Each Generation’s Strengths

Baby boomers often have extensive experience and valuable industry knowledge. Encourage them to mentor younger team members or lead projects that need a lot of expertise.

Since Gen Xers are independent and love solving problems, they are perfect for critical thinking tasks. Allow them to manage their projects because they will focus on the goals and often exceed expectations. You can also rely on them to close the gap between baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z.

Millennials are great at creating innovative solutions and do well with team-oriented tasks. Allow them to collaborate with peers and encourage them to share their tech knowledge.

Gen Zs will always bring fresh ideas and adapt to change quickly. Put them in charge of projects that call for a lot of creativity and unique perspective. You could also involve them in tasks that require social media savvy or data analysis skills.

 

Use the Generational Differences in Your Team to Your Advantage

Managing a multigenerational team can be tricky, but you don’t have to let it drag you down. Learn the strengths and preferences of each generation and be flexible. Encourage proper communication and use the differences to make your team more efficient and innovative.