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Leading in an Inter-Generational Context

This article will provide tips for developing inter-generational leadership.

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Updated:

August 25, 2020

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Leading in an Inter-Generational Context

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The labor market is currently very diverse because it has representation of employees across four generations. Each generation has their own expectations, habits, motivation, attitudes, and behavior patterns. Inter-generational leadership is a topic of ongoing discussion among organizational leaders and human resource practitioners. Inter-generational leadership can help overcome the negative outcomes arising from generational differences by utilizing each generation's strengths.

What is the inter-generational leadership?

Inter-generational leadership has been defined as a leadership aware of the generational differences and their potential contributions, where leaders from different generations are clearly identified and mutually respected. Inter-generational leadership is about meaningful engagement between leaders of different generations (Chiles, Valentino & Hattam., n.d, p.2). Different worldviews create greater diversity as well as foster innovation and excitement.

Warner & Sandberg (2010) and Arsenault (2004) highlighted the importance of recognizing and valuing the generational differences that exist in a workplace with workers of different generations because they can positively contribute to an organization. For example:

Baby Boomers (1943-1960): have valuable knowledge and work experience. Their methodical and disciplined work habits make them trustful on the quality of their work results. On the other hand, they serve as a role model for the younger employees. They are trained to fulfill the role of mentor and coach.

Generation X (1961-1980): requires professional and personal growth possibilities. This generation is much more motivated by the challenge of growing a project and transforming it into a reality. They give considerable importance to their family and personal needs; thus, it is important to provide opportunities to balance personal and professional life.

Generation Y or Millennials (1981-2000): have a technological ability and creative capacity that makes them more flexible in terms of time and space. This group requires permanent communication, sincere and open dialogue, and the coherence between saying and doing favors.

Generation Z or Nexters (born after 2000): have an optimistic perspective on life. This generation prefers a cordial relationship with authority and like leaders who pull people together. They believe in collective action and have strong desires to make changes.

Tips for developing inter-generational leadership

Through the identification of differences and strengths between managers of different generations, and attributes that an ideal leader should have, The Spanish foundation Generation and Talent Observatory and the European University of Madrid (2018), suggests establishing a new organizational competence, called Inter-generational Leadership. Developing inter-generational leadership competence can enhance management and organizational development by reducing the adverse outcomes produced by inter-generational misunderstanding. These organizations identified five characteristics that a generational leader should possess:

Be a good communicator
Be empathetic and practice active listening
Be collaborative
Be a responsible person
Promote the integration of all workers

Inter-generational leadership is about meaningful engagement between leaders across generations, where the opportunities for partnerships and collaboration are recognized and valued. We have adopted from the literature practical tips that help you to facilitate inter-generational leadership development:

Develop an inclusive culture regardless of age. Accept different attitudes, priorities, styles, talents, and values.
Be respectful, open, and kind. Foster a welcoming environment.
Demonstrate your willingness to collaborate with people from other generations.
Recognize and value opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
Demonstrate your willingness to resource and learning exchange.
Foster an inter-generational learning environment through mentoring programs.