Both Generations Resist Team Building

How do you bridge the generation gap with folks near retirement and the younger generation just coming into the work force? We have much difficulty getting the age groups to form teams.

The Team Doc Says…

This issue will become more and more common in workplaces around the world as the baby boom generation continues to age. Beginning in 2006, baby boomers began to turn 60. We haven’t even reached the groundswell of retirements yet.

This is the first time in history there have been four generations working together in the workplace. First, let’s take a look at these four generations.

• Veterans — Before 1946
• Boomers — 1946 to 1964

• Gen X — 1965 to 1980

• Gen Y (Millenials) — 1981 to 2000

One of the biggest reasons the generations resist working together is because they have different values. The veterans core values are respect for authority and discipline. They are conformers. Boomers have always been optimistic and value involvement. Gen X is skeptical, likes informal environments and wants to have fun. And the Millenials are confident and into the social scene, want even more fun than Gen X and like to view themselves as realists. Can you see why you might have a problem at work?

That said, it’s not impossible. The way to make it work is to find what the team members have in common rather than focusing on differences. Respect across the board will go a long way to creating a cooperative team environment. One of your best chances for success would be to develop a mentoring program where the generations could learn from each other. It won’t be easy, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

For more ideas, take a look at The Generation Gap — Integrating a Team of Old and Young People.