March 2011 Deep Insights

“I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I am not sure you realized that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Oh, Generations have a unique ability to ignore each other’s perspectives. However, for future generations to succeed, each living generation must strive to understand the contributions each generation is making or has made to the world in which we currently live. The generations must understand from whence they came and where they are going. By understanding each other’s reality generations can create a better world for us all.

Generational stubbornness occurs when the distinct generations fail to recognize or understand circumstances as they were inherited or are. Some, unable to hear what another generation has to say, will hush them. Others will shout to drown out the voices, and some will legislate strict adherence to their generation’s standards. Each thinks they have the only solution for the many, forgetting a new generation is in its infancy and will soon be a new member to understand and be understood. Solutions to bring the separate worlds together are found when there is a collective mission to accept the new and discard that which has failed. Graveyards are filled with generations who thought they had the only solution that mattered.
The end is determined when the process begins. Elders must learn to talk WITH not TO juniors. Juniors must listen to not talk AT their elders. As discussions unfold, each must have the other in mind, rather than striving to win. The goal should be to understand and find solutions for everyone not someone. Everyone solution will transcend generations leaving behind a platform for new generations to build their own unique applications for circumstances that are solely theirs. Each must grasp their place in time, knowing that new discoveries will allow other generations to create solutions that will reach beyond the original. Breakthroughs occur because in understanding each other the generations understand they are better off than when not understanding each other.

When collaboration follows this model, younger generations have a picture of today and think about how to improve circumstances for their future. Older generations have a picture of yesterday and see from whence they came with a vision of where they are going. Building collaboration for the best possible solution; for this moment, requires all generations to share their perspectives. Then, move forward knowing a new generation is on the horizon with a new reality of its own.