June 2008 Deep Insights

Leaders are challenged as generations pass through time and their organization. Good leaders know they must adapt to the needs of each generation without losing the initiative of any.

The first step is to create a vision that various generations can embrace. Young people seek excitement, challenges, opportunities to learn and occasions to broaden their experience. Midlife adults seek continued learning or satisfaction through contributions to the organization. Mature individuals seek more comprehensive challenges to make contributions or contribute by assisting midlife adults and young people.

The second step is to build an environment to fulfill the vision. The environment must utilize the strengths of each generation. Young people should be encouraged to speak out, challenge the status quo and bring their world into the daily activities of the organization. They should be encouraged to ask “Why not?” without fear of retribution. Midlife adults in their respective groups looking for challenges or contributing by doing must be part of building execution plans. Both groups can find and utilize their strengths when they are a part of planning execution. Their competencies will lead to the successful execution of the vision. Mature individuals need an environment where they can remove barriers for young people or midlife adults to perform. Their challenge is to maintain clarity for the VISION, keeping others on task. It is the responsibility of mature individuals to coach the other generations through barriers, be they processes or behavior, and to help the organization successfully adopt change for both.

The third step is to develop a transparent measurement process, beyond financials and tied to activities that will ensure success. Each generation must have the information necessary to create accountability. Each generation must know they have moved beyond effort to results.

Leaders need the ability to function with people from varying generations. The ability to recognize each generation’s value will keep the environment healthy and will keep people contributing to the VISION.