A ResumeBuilder.com survey revealed that “74% of managers and business leaders believe GenZ is more difficult to work with than other generations.’’ I don’t necessarily subscribe to all the studies or theories regarding generations younger than mine. But I form my opinions based on my own experiences with them, and if these coincide with what the studies say, I look at that as affirmation.
I am all for bringing forth fresh ideas that do not necessarily complement mine, but how that is executed matters a lot. If you present your fresh, novel ideas in a manner that does not inspire a sense of collaboration, chances are you will fail. Instead, try to convey your message in an atmosphere of mutual respect, especially when your ideas contradict or do not necessarily complement the other person’s ideas. Make the other side positively see your POV, without belittling their POVs as outdated or inferior. Only when you do so will you have a higher chance of success at communication. More importantly, if done within a workplace setting, you’ll also come across as being mature and professional.
Off the cuff, I would define professionalism as “not the job you do, but how you do the job.’’ Some workplaces have particular “rules’’—written or not—of professionalism. Examples are appropriate dress code when in the office, how you behave in the office or during meetings, and upholding agreed practices and values. It’s about having competence and knowledge, being reliable, conscientious, industrious, and organized. It’s about having integrity, respect, politeness, and good manners.
I worked with a multigenerational team in my last workplace. What I’ve learned over the years is that if you keep your eyes and mind open, you’ll find such a dynamic environment as fertile grounds for learning. How so? It’s because all generations learn something from each other. It’s also important to consider that each person is unique. In fact, I found a couple of GenZers that surprisingly possess qualities of both their generation and mine. I’d say these individuals have the best chance of making it in a diverse team.
With both millennials and Gen Zers growing up in the digital age, the comfort and ease at which they use technology is a big plus in the workplace. Make the most of their tech-savviness, quick actions, and bright ideas. Let them show you how to swiftly navigate apps and platforms, and how to use technology to make work faster and more efficient. It’s a refreshing experience that makes you appreciate them more.
GenZers are known to challenge the status quo, bringing forth their ideas to the table. Be open to that and consider all ideas presented, and get a consensus on the best option to take. If it does not pose a risk to the project, give their innovative ideas a go if you think it holds potential.
To reciprocate, impart to them whatever nuggets of wisdom you’ve acquired over the years. Teach them the sensitivities of interpersonal communication, collaboration, and working in a diverse environment. Help them understand the unique characteristics of generations other than their own. While you allow them to make their conclusions, try to help them arrive at one that not only benefits them but others as well. Help them strengthen their soft skills, guiding them through interpersonal dynamics so they learn how to form more effective relationships with those outside of their age level, especially in the workplace.
If you think this is an uphill climb, you’re not wrong. But venture beyond that and imagine the sense of accomplishment when you’ve learned to embrace each other’s differences and leverage each other’s strengths. When you’ve effectively harnessed the combined power of different generations, then you’ve successfully concocted a recipe for success.
And that, my friend, is where magic happens.
(MY SCENE is my take on issues and matters that have caught my attention. Hope you’ll be part of my scene from now on. Let me know your thoughts at adi.quisido88@gmail.com)
