Leading cross culturally and generationally

You see a lot of articles and opinions out there about how to manage cross culturally as well as leading Gen Z, as if the differences are insurmountable. But I'd argue this is simply the natural generational development we have experienced for centuries, and it is more important to embrace what we share in common than focus on the differences.?

My family and I have been lucky to get the opportunity to live and travel extensively, as my wife and my careers brought our family to six countries on four continents. Despite the cultural differences we learned to love, underneath we have found that people are more similar than different. Each generation works to try and provide a good life for their loved ones and most people identify with their home region and want to help improve the quality of life for the next generation.

Each generation grows up with improvements in technology which impacts how individuals work, travel and interact. Generation Z has grown up in a digital age and one with significantly greater access to travel and non-indigenous experiences in history. As has been the case for centuries, Gen Z is leveraging these technological advancements and opportunities to live their lives differently than generations before. It's to be expected that people of different generations will reflect differently on their upbringing and respond in their own way to the here and now, but there's one thing we all have in common; we want to be able to provide for ourselves (and in time our families which is still in the future for many Gen Zs), we want a rewarding career to challenge and develop us, and we want to be respected. Gen Z is no different. Seek to find the points of alignment and learn from them on how to leverage this digital age. Most importantly respect their differences and give them the opportunity to grow.?

I can't imagine going back to what was normal in the '80s. Back when I started with Procter and Gamble in 1983. We had no computers at work, no mobile phones, and we communicated primarily through written memos, short phone calls and face to face meetings. You wore a jacket and tie every day and made an appointment to see your boss. You also had to address them formally using Mr. (there were very few women in those positions back then) and included a memo detailing what you'd talk about. It was incredibly formal, scripted, and hierarchical.?

It's not just Gen Z that would find that kind of working environment alien, I wouldn't feel comfortable operating in that way again. Companies evolve and things will continue to change as we meet the needs of the future workforce. So, in the end, embrace change, enjoy the differences multi-generational and diverse organizations bring to your team, and have fun along the way. And don't worry, the Gen Zs will be complaining about the next generation as well!