Generational angst at work?
When was the last time your beliefs about another generation were challenged? Mine was recently after interviewing a hip millennial couple whose God-given work is to enable generational reconciliation in the workplace.
So, what is generational reconciliation?
It’s helping each generation—most often it’s the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and the Millennials (born between1981-1996) to really understand and appreciate each other’s attributes.
It’s important to shine a light on the hidden beliefs and misbeliefs each side is holding. Then, to know the truth about each of the generations and to learn the best attributes of each. This way each person, regardless of age, can be understood, appreciated and leveraged.
What has this got to do with faith in the workplace? Well, as Christ-followers we are called to love and respect everyone.
That’s hard to do, if you’re a Baby Boomer who can’t see beyond the apparent laziness and lack of focus the Millennials in your department have. Or this is difficult if you’re a Millennial pushing against the inside-the-box, outdated ways and thinking of the Boomers who happen to run the company.
Don’t forget the bottom line.In the next two years Millennials will make up 50 percent of the workplace.
If you run an organization or manage anyone from this generation, your knowledge of them, how they work and how well you know and manage them will be a huge predictor of your success.
Photo source: istock
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