Is There a Generation Gap on Your Project Team

 

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that I work with a team of mostly young people. Except for the fact that I am a 50-something guy who rides a Harley rather than a 20-something guy that rides a bullet bike, I don't think there's a real generation gap among my colleagues. Of course there are some age-related differences, but for the most part they are minor things less associated with work and more related to fashion and other personal preferences.

On those rare occasions when my older colleagues and I talk about the younger people on the team, we talk about how their passion and energy is contagious. In fact, I think we universally agree that our younger colleagues keep us on top of our game (hopefully that doesn't come across as condescending, it isn't meant to be). The luxury of sitting back and resting on our laurels just isn't an option.

In an article written for LSJ.com, Doug Stites writes, "Young, talented workers have fresh points of view and learn about progressive ways to make business better. They can offer newer and more innovative business practices, agenda-setting theories, issue attention cycles, crisis management and the top social media tactics needed to market your company."

I have to agree with Mr. Stites. Over the last five or six years, I've noticed that young people entering the workforce are more empowered and technologically savvy than any other generation that I'm aware of. Something else Stites suggests also resonates with me, "Also, learn about their work styles. Younger generations are focused on quicker, more efficient ways of completing tasks. This translates into the workplace in positive ways."

On numerous occasions I have literally been blow away by what the members of my team are able to accomplish when given the opportunity to contribute at a higher level. There's a lot we can learn from our younger colleagues and as Stites suggests, we should "[g]ive these young workers the credit they deserve for handling substantial responsibilities."

Is there a generation gap within your project team? If not, congratulations. If there is, you may want to rethink the way you interact with the team. Part of being a project leader is to help and mentor younger workers. According to Mr. Stites, "Companies should be flexible in accommodating young talent. Having an open mind to new and progressive ideas will encourage the growth of younger and older employees."