Bridge the Generational Gap: A New Kind Of Diversity - Part 4!

Connecting requires greater work to find any overlap or common ground. This is a fact and it applies to everyone, no matter which generation you belong to.

Recently I hosted a Leadership Summit at a local University and we had attendees who were High School kids, College students, Young Professionals, Experienced & Senior Citizens in the same room as we discussed ways to connect better and become more effective as a Positive Influencer and a Leader in the Community.

Tim Elmore shares a few factors that have influenced the generational gaps in his book "A New Kind Of Diversity" which is where I am learning more about this particular topic. He says that one huge factor is the accelerating rate of change in society. Two hundred years ago, cultural developments were slow. As a result, 2 or 3 generations lived lifestyles that were very similar to each other.

As technological and social advances took place in the 20th and 21st centuries, it turns out that even one generation apart are measurably different from each other.

Personally, I think as I was growing up in India with my sisters who were just a few years apart from me - we shared a lot in common and I remember that we used to watch the same TV shows with our mom, we used to cry over the same movie scenes and pass on the towel to wipe out the tears after a tragic or romantic scene (tears of joy!).

My youngest sister was born 12 years after me and it was a complete shift in what she watched and what we used to watch. One of our favorite shows used to be "I Love Lucy" and I doubt my little sister even knows what that is. Screens went from Public to Private - younger generation have their own mobile devices in their hands and internet has brought them customized entertainment that probably would not appeal to the older generation.

The question arises "How do we bridge the generational gap?"

Do we just take away the privilege and the technology from the younger generation or do we start acting like teenagers today and watch shows that are the trend in today's world?

Tim Elmore suggests a few action steps in his book, let me share a couple of them here and I hope you will get the book to read more about his research and recommendation.

1. Find ways to group up and put multigenerational events on the calendar: What if we found a way to bring different generations together for a community service program?

2. Explain your temperament and style when you offer feedback: When interacting, people from different generations can benefit from acknowledging how they typically filter and relay information. In other words, before you start pointing out what a teenager has done incorrectly you may say "Before I reply, it might be helpful to know I usually like to ask a lot of questions about what I just heard. It doesn't mean I 'm against the idea; it's just how I process new information". This technique does work, I have been training folks using the DISC Behavioral Analysis to communicate better using these kind of statements especially if you are dealing with a "C-wired" individual.

Leading By Example is the best way.

Tim Elmore states: Are these things easy? No, they are not. But we must STEP UP to the challenge, not STEP BACK.

I encourage parents to invest in their learning and personal growth so they are adding value to themselves and showing their children how important it is to value oneself so others see value in them.

Next time I plan to elaborate on the "Benefit of Shared Thinking" which has changed my life and is changing the lives of others as we sit around a table (in person or virtually) to create a Mastermind.

Ask yourself these questions as you ponder over these points during your time of reflection:

1. What have you already done to bridge the generational gap?
2. What can you do differently to help someone from a different generation based on what worked and what you learned from your past experience?

Let's bridge the generational gap like this gentleman by the Power of Influence. I have been coaching others to Become A Person Of Influence and would love to share with you 10 ways to Increase Your Influence with others. Block a Complimentary Call on my calendar to find out more - Contact Anupama and let's find common ground with different generations and communicate more effectively to make that Connection!