Unlocking Workplace Success: The Power of Cross-Generational Relationships

I have been doing some research to prepare for a webinar this fall on generations in the workplace, and it got me thinking about the importance of having cross-generational relationships.

Look, I get it. It's easy to fall into the trap of sticking with "your kind" at work. The millennials huddle around the cold brew station, swapping stories about their latest Instagrammable vacations. The Boomers congregate in the break room, reminiscing about the good old days of fax machines and shoulder pads. And Gen X? Well, they're probably off in a corner, rolling their eyes at everyone else. At least, these are some stereotypical examples.

But here's the thing: if we keep self-segregating by generation, we're all missing out on serious opportunities for growth, learning, and straight-up fun. I'm not just talking about "diversity and inclusion" buzzwords here. I'm talking about the tangible benefits of building relationships that span the generational divide.

Let's break it down:

You'll Never Stop Learning

Remember when you were a kid and thought adults had all the answers? Newsflash: we're all still figuring it out, no matter how old we are. However, different generations bring different skill sets and knowledge bases to the table.

Your Boomer colleague might be a treasure trove of institutional knowledge and industry connections. That Gen Z intern? They're likely a whiz at the latest social media trends and tech tools. By building relationships across age groups, you're creating your own personalized, on-demand learning network.

I'll never forget when I (an elder millennial) asked our office's resident Boomer, and we'll call her Janet, for advice on handling a difficult employee. Her decades of experience gave her insights I never would have considered. On the flip side, I've helped Janet navigate the murky waters of LinkedIn and personal branding. It's a two-way street, folks.

You'll Keep Your Mind Open (and Young)

Look, we all have our biases and preconceived notions about other generations. Millennials are entitled snowflakes. Boomers are technophobic dinosaurs. Gen X is... well, does anyone really know what Gen X is up to?

But here's the kicker: those stereotypes start to crumble when you get to know people as individuals. By cultivating relationships across generations, you're forced to challenge your own assumptions and keep an open mind.

Plus, there's something to be said for keeping your mind young (or gaining some much-needed maturity, depending on which end of the spectrum you're on). Hanging out with colleagues from different age groups can expose you to new perspectives, cultural references, and ways of thinking. It's like Olympic-style cross-training for your brain.

You Become a Better Communicator

Let's face it: each generation has its own communication quirks. Boomers prefer face-to-face meetings, while Gen Z is all about Slack and emojis. By learning to navigate these different styles, you're honing your communication skills in a significant way.

I've seen this play out in real time during cross-generational project teams. At first, there might be some friction or misunderstandings. However, as people learn to adapt and find common ground, the team's communication becomes more robust and effective.

You'll Be a Better Leader (or Team Member)

Whether you're managing a team or working your way up the ladder, understanding how to motivate and work with people from all generations is crucial. Building relationships across age groups gives you invaluable insights into what makes different people tick.

As a manager, relationships with colleagues from various generations have made me much more effective at tailoring my leadership style. I know when to give my independent Gen X employees more autonomy and when my millennial team members might need more frequent feedback and recognition.

You'll Have More Fun at Work (Seriously)

Look, work doesn't have to be a drag. One surefire way to make it more enjoyable is to surround yourself with a diverse group of people. Cross-generational relationships bring richness and variety to your work life that you can't get from sticking to only one age group.

Some of my best laughs at work have come from intergenerational inside jokes and shared experiences. There's something magical about bonding over a shared love of 80s music with your Gen X cube mate or introducing a Boomer mentor to the joys of a TikTok trend during a team-building event.

You'll Be More Innovative

Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. It comes from the collision of different ideas, perspectives, and experiences. By fostering relationships across generations, you create a melting pot of creativity that can lead to breakthrough ideas.

I've seen this firsthand in brainstorming sessions where we've intentionally mixed up the generational composition of groups. The ideas that emerge from these diverse teams are often far more innovative and well-rounded than those from more homogeneous groups.

You'll Gain Perspective on Your Own Generation

Sometimes, it takes an outsider's view to really understand your own generation's quirks and blind spots. By building relationships with colleagues from different age groups, you gain a valuable mirror to reflect on your own generational traits – both the good and the not-so-good.

This self-awareness can be incredibly valuable, both personally and professionally. It can help you leverage your generation's strengths while working to overcome its limitations.

So, What Now?

Look, I'm not saying you need to ditch your same-age work buddies and start hanging out exclusively with people twice your age (or half your age, depending). But I am challenging you to step outside your generational comfort zone and try to connect with colleagues from different age groups.

Start small. Strike up a conversation with that Boomer in the elevator. Invite the Gen Z new hire to lunch. Join a mentoring program if your company offers one.

And most importantly, approach these interactions with an open mind and genuine curiosity. You might be surprised at how much you have in common with someone born in a different decade – and how much you can learn from each other.

A Personal Touch: Learning from Family History

This whole idea of cross-generational learning doesn't just apply to the workplace. Some of the most valuable insights I've gained have come from conversations with my parents and grandparents about their younger years.

I remember sitting down with my grandma once and asking her what life was like when she was my age. Wow, the stories she told! She painted a picture of a world so different from ours – no smartphones, no internet, heck, not even color TV. She talked about writing letters to friends instead of texting and how getting news meant waiting for the evening paper or radio broadcast.

I also cherish the conversations I had with my Dad about being a Marine in the Vietnam War and how the world of his childhood is so different from the high-tech instant everything we have today.

At first, I'll admit, I was a bit shocked. How did they survive without Google or streaming? But I started to gain a deep appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of those generations. They faced challenges I can't even imagine, and they did it without all the conveniences I take for granted.

These conversations with my family have given me a whole new perspective on how far we've come as a society and how much we owe to the generations that came before us. It's made me more patient with older colleagues who might struggle with new technology because I understand the massive changes they've had to adapt to over their lifetimes and careers.

Bringing It All Together

Whether it's at work or in your personal life, making an effort to connect with people from different generations is incredibly valuable. It broadens your perspective, challenges your assumptions, and helps you appreciate the unique experiences that shape each generation.

In the workplace, these cross-generational connections can lead to more innovation, better communication, and a more dynamic, inclusive environment. In your personal life, they can deepen your understanding of history, society, and even your own family.

So go ahead, strike up that conversation with a colleague from a different generation. Ask your grandparents about their youth. Be curious, be open, and be ready to learn. You might be surprised at how much richer your world becomes when you bridge the generation gap.

After all, at the end of the day, we're all just people trying to make our way in the world. And there's so much we can learn from each other, no matter what year we were born.