How to foster collaboration in a multigenerational workforce
Credit to Author: Murali Murthy| Date: Wed, 08 May 2024 19:10:12 +0000
A primary indicator of organizational success is collaboration in the workplace. When people work together they are engaged better and report higher success levels. Especially when one brings multi-generational teams to collaborate, the company can record a high level of productivity and success.
By leveraging the enthusiasm of younger members and harnessing the wisdom of senior staff, the team is better equipped to achieve the organizational mission, accomplish goals and be happier while doing it. Here are five proven ways to effectively build a collaborative workforce when working with multigenerational teams.
1. Celebrate individual perspectives
Effectively working together with everyone begins by understanding the differences that shape people’s individual perspectives and the subsequent behaviours. This enables everyone to gain absolute clarity around the same perspectives. And eventually adapt your communication style to match that of each member in the multi-generational force.
The authority and wisdom of baby boomers, the contemporary, strategic insights of millennials, the technological competence of Gen X and the autonomy of Gen Z can create a productive dynamic. When we learn about their individual differences, we are also able to appreciate individual strengths and avoid making wrong assumptions. The ability to put together this diverse team greatly contributes to the organization’s strengths and delivers multiple benefits.
2. Create an environment of open communication
Effective communication always results in effective collaboration. This is why one needs to create an environment where each team member has a voice and feels valued that his/her input is respected. When everyone is encouraged to share ideas, insights and feedback, this organically generates positive diversity in the workplace.
The ability to understand that baby boomers may want face-to-face meetings, the Gen X audiences may prefer concise formal emails, millennials may opt for online chats while Gen Z may prefer video calls. By communicating effectively in their preferred mode of communication, you can build trust and loyalty with everyone.
3. Collaborate creatively
Pairing up different generations creatively is one way to create some great work. When you persuade a Gen Z to collaborate with a baby boomer, they could complement each other with specific industry knowledge, digital skills and their respective areas of expertise. By leveraging the rich ideas, skills and experiences of team members from diverse generations, you can create and deliver innovative outcomes. Through live or virtual meetings, emails, regular phone calls and even social media, cross-generational teams can work cohesively with their individual perspectives and approaches.
4. Cultivate a culture of gratitude
Ensuring a constant culture of gratitude is beyond just a kind gesture. In every environment, it can be a powerful tool to foster a positive outcome. Individuals thrive and teamwork flourishes when everyone finds joy in the small things and feels appreciated, valued and grateful. This cuts across generations and everyone is engaged and motivated to perform better.
In fact, gratitude should be embedded in the day-to-day operations at the workplace. The ongoing practice should be incorporated into the weekly meetings and even performance reviews. Thus, gratitude and appreciation become an organic and natural part of the culture of the company.
5. Lead by example
Being focused and proactive is a proven strategy to reignite workplace dynamics and enable all generations to collaborate cohesively. For instance, you can set the process and the tone for everyone from the boomers to the Gen Z to interact and collaborate every day at work. You can follow this up by modeling the very attitudes and behaviours that you want to see in others. If needed, you can empower your teams with resources and also recognize and reward their efforts. What gets rewarded gets repeated. This will encourage everyone to share their best practices and lessons learned.
Multigenerational teams can work together by:
- Fostering active listening and clear communication
- Promoting mutual respect for each other
- Facilitating knowledge sharing and involve in mentorship programs
- Accommodating flexible work environments
- Encouraging professional development and continuous learning
- Leading by example
In conclusion, by embracing open communication and discarding stereotypes, everyone can work well together and accomplish all three, their personal and organizational goals.
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