You look around the conference room at your team, appreciating the unique perspective each of them brings to the company. The older members of your organization bring a wealth of wisdom and a perspective that has been fostered by years of experience in the industry and personal experience. Meanwhile, the younger members of your team have a fresh perspective and ask the tough questions. “Why are things done the way they are? Is this still the best way to do them?” they ask with genuine curiosity. Both views are valuable and challenge your organization to grow, but these differences in multigenerational teams can also lead to conflict.
Understand the Core Conflict
At its core, multigenerational workplace conflict boils down to a difference in values. Between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z employees, the driving force for career growth varies. This difference in worldviews can lead to conflict and resentment when different generations of workers hold generalized differences in the importance of work ethic, teamwork, communication preferences, office culture, and expectations.
Employ Empathy-Led Leadership
The best way to repair this generational gap in your workplace is to better understand each generation’s values, motivations, and preferences so you can equip yourself with the essential knowledge to steer your conflict resolution strategies effectively. The most effective leaders take time to see issues from others’ perspectives and create space for all parties in a conflict to share their side of the argument. Understanding other team members is the first step in conflict resolution.
Use Effective Communication
In many ways, baby Boomers don’t speak the same dialect as members of Gen Z. These differences are often subtle, and therefore can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. A quick, one-word response might be viewed as effective by some while being understood as emotionless and harsh by others. Some might view constant oversight as routine and expected, while others view it as micromanaging and controlling. As a leader, it is crucial to understand your team’s preferred communication styles. Guide them through challenging conversations, fostering an environment where each team member feels genuinely heard, and their ideas are appreciated.
Build a Culture of Respect and Inclusion
Conflict is a normal part of the workplace and can be expected – but having the tools in place to be able to handle it effectively can result in better solutions, increased morale, improved team cohesion, and boosted engagement across generations. Being able to empathize with someone else’s perspective and communicate effectively are skills that can be learned through real-world, on-the-job training. Conflict resolution approaches can be personalized to your team and your industry through leadership and development training.
How do you choose the right leadership training program for your multigenerational team? Front Line Leadership offers flexible, industry-tailored learning modules designed to promote blended learning, interactive lessons, and measurable results. Contact us today to learn more about how Front Line can transform your multigenerational workplace.