For the first time in U.S. history, we have employees from five different generations working side by side. With so many different perspectives and life experiences, conflict is inevitable.

Unfortunately, this often leads to stereotyping. We classify colleagues as millennial snowflakes, entitled young people, or clueless boomers. When this happens, we miss out on some of the greatest business opportunities of the twenty-first century. Opportunities to build better products and services informed by a diverse mix of views. Chances to develop better learning experiences where we cross pollinate different generational strengths.

Fortunately, Megan Gerhardt’s written a book to help us navigate the shark-filled waters of multi-generational management. It’s called, Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce. In it, she shares the hallmarks of each generation, including what motivates and worries them. She also shares insightful ways to lead and build rapport. It’s a resource you’ll return to again and again.

Episode Links

Protecting My Turf: The Moderating Role of Generational Differences on the Relationships between Self-direction and Hedonism Values and Reactions to Generational Diversity

An Exploratory Study of Gender and Motivation to Lead in Millennials

Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

Bias Interrupted by Joan Williams and her interview on Curious Minds at Work

Leaders Who Coach by Jan Salisbury

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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CM 216: Megan Gerhardt on Navigating a Multi-Generational Workplace

Curious Minds at Work