In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, the workplace has transformed into a diverse tapestry of generations, each contributing unique perspectives and experiences. From the seasoned veterans with decades of knowledge to the fresh-eyed millennials and the tech-savvy Gen Z, the intermingling of different age groups has given rise to both challenges and opportunities. One of the most potent tools at our disposal to bridge the generational divide and foster a collaborative, thriving work environment is shared learning.
Embracing shared learning within the workplace is more than just a trendy buzzword; it’s a transformative approach that fosters a culture of inclusivity, mutual respect, and innovation. In this blog, we will delve into the power of shared learning and explore how it acts as a cohesive force, harmoniously connecting people from various generations. Together, we will discover the numerous ways in which shared learning closes the generational gap, breaking down barriers and nurturing a workplace where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential.
In his book “Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation”, NYT bestselling author Dan Schawbel provides the following insights for today’s workplaces:
“There’s a great cultural and technological divide between younger and older workers, but both can benefit from each other’s knowledge and skills in important ways.
What Younger Workers Can Teach Older Workers
• New technologies that will impact internal collaboration and their profession and industry and how to use them.
• The importance of diversity and how it can benefit the team, since younger employees are the most diverse in history.
• How change is inevitable, why the skills of today may not be as valuable in the future, and how to learn new skills.
• Why they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Research shows that younger workers are more optimistic and can use that to inspire older workers.
• The collaborative mind-set that will help older workers best interact with them, brainstorm, and come up with new ideas.
What Older Workers Can Teach Younger Ones
• The struggles and setbacks of building a career and the importance of having years of experience.
• The soft skills that have helped them build the relationships that have made them successful.
• The loyalty that makes others on your team want to invest in your learning and development.
• The regrets they might have had in their career and how to not make the same mistakes.
• How to manage corporate politics that naturally occur in any corporation, especially larger ones.
• The skill to handle conflicts in the workplace and the wisdom to use those conflicts to actually solve problems and form stronger relationships in the aftermath (p. 133-135).”
What are your experiences working with people from differing generations? Do these points ring true to you? Feel free to sound off in the comments below!