Judy Preszcator – As a leader or business owner, you have many strategic goals to consider for the health of the organization. One of your strategies may be to coach an employee toward a leadership role or perhaps to become your successor understanding that you are working with multiple generations in the workplace.
There are many factors to consider with the individual you are coaching. For example, do they:
- Contribute to your organization’s mission and vision.
- Demonstrate respect toward others.
- Ensure they keep their word.
- Possess a coaching for success mentality versus policing for failure attitude.
The Generation Gap
Today, there can be up to five generations in one workplace:
- Baby Boomers
- Generation X
- Xennials
- Millennials
- Gen Z
Each generation has its differences. Baby Boomers, those born from 1946-1964 have influenced trends and dominated the workplace for at least five decades. And they are used to getting their own way. I know, I’m a Baby Boomer.
Millennials 1980-1994) are generations climbing the leadership ladder and challenging the status quo in the workplace. I have heard many describe Millennials as lazy and expecting everything to be handed to them, but like anything else, there is good, bad, and indifferent in all.
Personally, I’ve had a very positive experience with a Millennial manager, someone almost 30 years my junior, who was a very positive, hardworking and effective leader – my leader. I had respect for her because she:
- Built trust within the team.
- Kept her word.
- Showed effective leadership through open communication.
- Led her team through continuous change with strength and confidence.
As the owner or leader, consider who you want to bring up through the ranks in your workplace. Do you feel it’s more important they possess a formal education or demonstrate character through respect and empathy? Are they worthy of the opportunity because of their skill set, mindset, or something else? Do you, as someone once said to me, “hire for heart, train for brain.”
Leverage Different Generations
Leadership roles will need to be occupied by engaged and trustworthy individuals, as older generations retire from the workplace. If there are multiple generations in your workplace, it can pose challenges. But there can also be benefits if everyone is prepared to see things from a different perspective. If you’re ready to find a successor for your business, our Milestones program can guide your through the process.