NORM!!
Who is this generation "Y?" Do I really have to have
them on my team? I don't want the "old guy" either.
These can be some of the thoughts that go through
team
member's heads when forming a new team. For me,
I don't feel much different from when
I was 18 but I am constantly reminded that those days
have long since gone. Mostly it comes when I
am working with brand new college students and
make a reference to a television show (one that
should have enduring universal appeal) to make a
point on a subject and, 9 times out of 10, I get the
confused puppy look.
HOW CAN ANYONE
NOT
KNOW WHO CLIFF CLAVIN IS!?
Those
gaps
can be
where the generation wars start! Each generation
can feel
that the other is all messed up in one way or another
and that "things" would be better if they were done as
they should be (as dictated by the generation that is
speaking). Next, mutual respect, teamwork, and
flexibility are quickly replaced with rice bowls, stove
pipes, and cold shoulders. When you get down to
basics, the generation gaps aren't that wide.
A recent study that covered 3200 employees over a
span of 5 years found that (regardless of generation)
everyone wants to be able to trust the people they
work with, no one really likes change when they
think
they're going to lose from it, everyone likes feedback
and everyone wants to learn. Even when
differences become apparent roadblocks,
teams should embrace
them. That diversity can be the catalyst for true
growth
and for expanding into new horizons! To break down
the generational barriers and get down to team
basics, try these 3 strategies:
1. Play a team building game.
Any simple one can
do -
building a structure from playing cards, an office
scavenger hunt, or a even a quick game of "Simon
Says"
can quickly break down barriers, engage people
toward
a common purpose, and lighten the atmosphere.
2. Share of yourself.
Take time at each team meeting to
"spotlight" a team member and get to know that
person
as a person - where they are from, what their hobbies
are, and what they liked to do when they were young.
Team members will quickly find out how much they
have in common vs. how much they think they are
different.
3. Do a Freaky FUNday!
Yes,
like the movie,
"Freaky
Friday" (old version with Jodie Foster or new one with
Lindsay Lohan). Take a day and let team workers
switch roles and responsibilities so they get a
comprehensive view of what the other deals with. A
decent walk in another's shoes will usually help with
clarity!
It makes no difference if you are a boomer, an X-er, a
Y, or somewhere in between (like me), each of us
brings a common base to the team and
also enough diversity to really make the journey
exciting. So, don't wait...get "Freaky FUNday" with it!
Y!?
Because we like you!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"If you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next
generation."
- Chinese Proverb
Keep laughing, leading, rockin', and connecting!
- Chip
