I was reminded today how this generational thing is really not an us versus them type of thing, although many people would have you believe this is so. This made me think how we even got to this place. Sometimes when we try to "fix" things and we don't include all parties in the process, we only make things worse.
Let me be more specific. I received a call today from an organization that wanted to train their incoming class of recruits on generational differences in the workplace. They want to do this so young recruits will have a smoother assimilation into the workplace. In theory, they are correct. Understanding how to work with people from other generations will reduce the amount of time it takes before their new hires are productive. However, they left out half the equation. That is the other generations (in their case mostly Boomers) who need this training even more than the young recruits.
You can't bridge a gap by having a one-sided conversation. You need parties to come together so you can have a dialogue. That dialogue will open minds and spark changes. I suggested that they consider opening up this program to everyone in the organization. Only then can you begin the true process of generation integration.
