In a Fast Company article published today, “An 18-point playbook to combat age discrimination at work,” Dr. Anzelc shared her unique perspective on the multi-generational workforce and how the different generations can use curiosity to better understand each other’s perspectives.
Lead by example and ask deeper questions
“As one of the more than six million multigenerational households in the U.S., I have a different perspective. I have lived with older family members for many years, an experience that has enriched me and shifted my perspectives on different generations. Curiosity and asking questions have helped uncover the context behind viewpoints and opened the door to deeper discussions on how the context in which we grew up shapes and colors how we see the world and each other.
“As multigenerational households become more prevalent, I predict this will lead to greater empathy and understanding across generations and reduce age discrimination and bias.
“Leaders can start with curiosity to lead by example in exploring the deeper reasons behind a point of view. Opportunities to engage with other generations and create multigenerational teams can offer a way to better understand each other as the team’s work unfolds. It can be helpful to remind ourselves of how others viewed us when we entered the workforce.
“Each generation sees the following generations as having it easier than they did—the old joke of ‘I had to walk to school uphill both ways’ comes to mind. Younger generations can benefit from the lived experiences of older generations and learn how to avoid some of the mistakes they may have made as they build their careers.
“There is an opportunity to learn from anyone, if we can approach interactions with interest and openness to a different perspective.”
You can find the full article here.