Here are seven tried-and-true tips to workplace harmony adapted to help seasoned personnel from other generations learn how to connect, interact, and communicate effectively with their Gen Y managers.
Avoid generalizations. There are differences in the generations, but the fact that each generation has different experiences should come as no surprise. Do you remember your elders saying how different your generation was from theirs? I’m sure they heard the same from their parents and bosses as well.
Generalizations create more barriers—thus, they need to be eliminated. When we focus on the potential differences of other people, we tend to prejudge them. We must realize that they are simply other human beings and focus on similarities that could serve as an entry point to making connections. Just because someone was born within a specific generational period does not mean he will exhibit the generalities associated with that generation.
Create a common language. Most relationships, regardless of generation, struggle due to a lack of effective communication. Don’t you think Boomers have trouble communicating with other Boomers at times, too? A great way to bridge generational gaps is to create a common language to help people connect and communicate with one another, particularly by focusing on their behaviors. The key is to understand those behaviors and recognize the various styles both you and others use. This allows you not only to build an understanding of others without prejudging them, but also to create an action plan to better connect and communicate with them as well. Personality preference models such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment can help sustain this connection.
By using such tools as the Myers-Briggs assessment with employees, you can focus on core elements to begin to build that common language. In Myers-Briggs terms, an INTP (introversion, intuition, thinking, perception) is still an INTP regardless of generation. With this knowledge, communication can be leveled across the organization despite the age disparities among the staff.
If you know that a Gen Y manager is an INTP, you can approach that person accordingly. In this case, that means opening the door by using a slower, more methodical approach—connecting and engaging with her in a more relaxed manner. Rather than immediately jumping to conclusions about your generational differences, focus on your similarities. That’s not to say that all generational differences will go away, but by taking the approach of looking for that common ground, you can lay the foundation for open communication and begin to build trust. Using a model such as the Myers-Briggs tool is the first step in bridging communication gaps because it lays the groundwork for leveraging the following steps effectively.
I have a former client, Greg, who is a Boomer ISTJ (introversion, sensing, thinking, judgment) bank manager who recently had to report to a 29-year-old senior manager. Greg said his original concerns were eliminated when he thought about the work we did with the Myers-Briggs tool and then put it into practice with this new manager. His work style was quite different from the manager’s, and in recognizing this he was able to adapt to her style to communicate effectively.
Greg communicates in a methodical, thoughtful, slower-paced way, which is common for someone with ISTJ preferences, whereas she is more fast-paced, expressive, and imaginative—with ENFP (extraversion, intuition, feeling, perception) preferences. Greg essentially adapted his approach to her by aligning his pace more closely with the pace with which she was more comfortable. He said they now communicate seamlessly. He obviously sees areas where generational differences could create roadblocks, but the fact that they now understand how to interact better with each other helps neutralize the other issues.
Establish and build trust. Another foundational element to any successful relationship must be trust, and because of their family-centric, team-oriented nature and desire for close relationships, this holds particularly true for Gen Y’ers. Transparency and follow-through are critical in relating to the Millennial generation, which may not yet be adept at playing politics and still hold the ideal that their team members are working toward group goals.
Take the initiative and show empathy. For the trusting, family-centric Gen Y’ers, making an effort to walk in their shoes shows them that you value them. Quit focusing on what Gen Y is not and start thinking about how to create the right atmosphere, one that capitalizes on their team building, trusting, tech-savvy nature. Then you’ll understand why they do what they do, as well as set an example to be followed.
Embrace a coaching and collaborative approach. Despite the perception that Gen Y’ers want to communicate solely via technology, which is in many ways accurate, when interacting in the workplace they very much desire a coaching and collaborative environment. Be willing to allow for a coaching approach that creates dialogues rather than monologues. Gen Y’ers will not respond well to a “my way or the highway” attitude, nor should they. Again, Gen Y’ers are family-centric and team oriented. Thus, supporting this collaborative environment will work effectively. After all, you have a wealth of knowledge you can share with them. Be willing to make the first move toward collaboration so that they feel safe and ready to receive your wisdom.
Listen and ask questions. Asking a new boss thought-provoking questions and listening intently to her answers is a good way to ingratiate yourself with any manager, but this tactic works especially well with the collaborative Millennials, who may be wary of their charges not taking them seriously. Closed-ended questions not only prevent the team from examining its challenges in the necessary depth; they also are off-putting to the ambitious Gen Y’er who tends not to take the “safe” route of perpetuating the corporate world’s status quo.
Be quiet and listen so that you can learn more from these out-of-the-box thinkers. In addition, don’t be put off if they ask, “Why?” often. According to Austin, a Gen Y small business owner who leads many seasoned managers in projects, “We ask ‘Why?’ not to be difficult, but because we truly want to know why.” Don’t be offended; it’s actually a good sign that they are engaged.
Observe and align your approach. As when working with any new boss, the team should observe and align its approach to that person accordingly. Like it or not, the new Gen Y’er steering the ship probably received the promotion for a reason. Likewise, older workers have built a career and have valuable experience. It is critical to depersonalize the differences based on generation and begin understanding the natural motivations and interests of the individual.
Common sense says that a personal approach will resonate better with both parties and help align the communication in their everyday interactions. For example, if you are an aggressive and fast-paced individual and your Gen Y manager is not, do not overwhelm him with your assertiveness. Be more open to the creative ideas and approaches if your Gen Y manager likes risk and change. Once again, you can be the voice of wisdom and reason. Try to be cognizant of your manager’s work style and adapt accordingly.