Creative ideation of the highest calibre

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Collaboration has always inspired me. It is during brainstorming sessions with the individuals whose creativity, ingenuity and vision far surpassed my own, that I genuinely found the best ideas.

Yet, when I was growing up (as a professional that is, not just as a child), collaboration was not a popular tactic. Sure enough, collective thinking was much encouraged, but it was individual people that ultimately won kudos and enjoyed the praise.

The one thing that Generation Z has introduced into our mentality is the popularity of a brand collaboration. Granted, it started way before the oldest Gen Zedder even learned the term “influencer”, but it is that generation that brought collaboration into masses.

Think about it – Gen Z is the most diverse generation there has ever been. It is the most connected, too (when it comes to the digital world). It is the one that builds most of its friendships and relationships from scratch online, not by bumping into people in a bar.

Collaboration for Gen Zedders is as easy as working a 10-hour day for an average Gen Xer (I’m only half joking at 20:56 on a Friday night…).

Generation Z are born collaborators. So thank you guys for bringing that important concept back to our attention, but this time - loud and clear!

But also, if I may – yes, collaboration is key to life’s success. But so is communication! Communication, the IRL (in real life..) kind, is really not as easy as commenting on social media posts online. It’s a skill. Just as collaboration.

So how about… You talk to us (Boomers, Xers and even Millennials) about collaborating, and we find the courage to talk to you about the kind of communication that you may not be so hot on?

The kind that thrived in the pre-Covid world of the 5-days-a-week-in-the-office offices. In the no-mobile-phones-allowed meetings. ?And in the work-your-way-up-to-earn-your-right-to-speak kinda work environments.

These environments were not perfect, but they honed our communication and connections-making skills. And those skills are truly in great demand!

In short: Let’s do an exchange. Communication/connections skills from us. Collaborations skills from you. Thoughts?

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PS. This photograph makes me smile – it is of me and one of my favourite collaborators, the impressive on every level Esther Stanhope. Check our https://alisagrafton.com/boomer-to-zoomer-programme/