6  Principles  for  Leading  a  Multi-­‐Generational  Workplace  

1. Initiate conversations about generations.

Individuals often make judgments about each other without realizing those judgments are generational in nature—and they tend to keep those judgments under the table. When they get them out in the open, the issues become less personalized and more generalized. They become easier—and sometimes even fun—to talk about.

2. Ask people about their needs and preferences.

Out of the best intentions, human beings often project their preferences onto others. The only way to know for certain what someone else’s needs and preferences are is to ask!

3. Offer options.

Working successfully with a mix of generations means offering as many choices as possible to suit the needs and preferences of a diverse workforce.

4. Personalize your style.

Be flexible. Learn about preferences of others on the team and find creative ways to meet their expectations.

5. Build on strengths.

The best mixed-generation work teams recognize the unique strengths of each individual. Urge people who are different to become more of who they already are, rather than trying to blend in with the rest of the team.

6. Pursue different perspectives.

Many work teams would say they tolerate differences, but the mixed-generation teams that truly succeed go beyond tolerance. Choose people with varied backgrounds and perspectives to work on projects together.

Adapted from AARP Leading a Multi Generational Workforce 2007 Click here