Common thread across Generations

A lot has been written, spoken and discussed about various generations. The passage of time has seen us move from Generation X through the Millennials and now to the Alpha generation (people born between now 2016 and the year 2030). For people like me and those born in the 60’s, we are actually sandwiched between two distinct generations – those of our parents and that of our children. I came across a quote recently which pretty much sums up our predicament – “We are the last generation who listened to their parents and also the first generation generation who have to listen to our children.”

The way we were raised and brought up by our parents cannot be “copy pasted” to how we want to bring up our kids. Applying this context to the corporate world, I believe that managing, motivating and getting results from the millennials / generation Z is not exactly a walk in the park. Too many organizations are battling challenges on how to manage the current generation, how to engage and be relevant to them and how to connect with them effectively.

Here are some of my observations on what I think are similarities across generations. Also some pointers on what makes the current generation tick:-

1. The rule of life and the exchange principle (give to get) cuts across generations. In the good old days if help and favors given had to be returned, it was called "payback" time. This concept is explained aptly by Marlon Brando in the movie  The Godfather. The current generation in the corporate environment has taken this a notch forward and realize that when they help people one level up or beyond, they get significantly more back in return than what they gave. 
2. Value systems are extremely important and time does not make a value system dated. In fact time only reinforces core values of honesty, integrity, respect etc.  
3. Across generations people are the difference between success and roaring success. The impossible was achieved for the simple reason that people did not know or realize that it was impossible. 
4. Natural aptitude and experience  are not correlated. This means that you could have stars in your teams who are pretty young. Conversely you could also have young team members who have not progressed – people who have given up too soon, not learnt from mistakes etc. Both situations are distinctly possible. 
5. It would not be off the mark to say that Millennials don’t trust authority or respect conventional sources of wisdom as much as our generation did. The “Do as I do” orientation cuts more ice than the “Do as I say” approach. Walking the talk is more important than just plain talk. Assumptions and conclusions arrived at without hard core data are normally despatched by the current generation to the grave yard. The traditional master–apprentice model needs to be tweaked to evolve into a more participative style of management. 
6. A hungry stomach, an empty wallet and a broken heart teach you the best lessons in life. Shortcuts dont get you too far. Comprehended well by all.

It is a fact that careers in general and working careers in particular are moving northwards. You do not have to call it quits any more at the age of 55. If you are fit and healthy and choose to work beyond the age of 60, that is very much a choice you can exercise and this is not an exception any more. We cannot be blind to the fact that the current generation expects to have multiple careers over their working lives with good avenues for career enrichment and growth.

(Pic courtesy concordiatheology.org)