E-couragement: The Generation Myth

“Our work isn’t as much about how others react to us, but about how we act towards them.” Bruce Schneider I was headed north towards Marymount University in Arlington, VA. I had prepared a keynote presentation for student leaders assembled from four universities in the northern Virginia region. This was not my traditional audience of corporate professionals and I was out of my comfort zone. Right on cue, the voice of doubt made its presence known. You don’t have anything in common with them…why should they listen to you…what made you think you could pull this off, were thoughts cluttering my mind. In desperation, I called my twenty-two year old daughter, Taylor, certain she could offer advice about this particular audience. The coaching she offered was wise and fundamental. Just what I needed to hear.  

“Dad, be yourself. I’ve heard you speak. They’ll like you. Your message will work for them” were the comforting words Taylor provided. She unknowingly reminded me of the concept I refer to as The Generation Myth. With a Chicken Little mentality, we’re told of this complex phenomenon in which four generations are now working side-by-side in the workplace. Taylor’s advice was grounded in a fundamental truth. Although the audience was thirty years younger than me, they’re still people. Fostering the idea that there are great generational divides prevents us from engaging one another. Recalling our fundamental human connections helps to dispel the generation myth.

I’m not proposing that all generations are identical; there are subtle differences we’d be wise to recognize. What I am suggesting is that every generation is more similar than different. It makes sense to focus on the many commonalities we share rather than highlight the few differences. Here’s a look at a few areas where all generations connect:

• We want to be heard.
• We want to take part in meaningful work.
• We want to contribute and make a difference.
• We want to feel genuinely appreciated.
• We want to be recognized as a person rather than a “number” at work.
• We want to develop into our full potential.

Having four generations working side-by-side is not a new concept. No need to get all flustered up about it. Your best opportunity to engage others is not by highlighting what’s different. Instead, focus on what makes us similar—our core human values. That’s what I did at Marymount University. Afterwards, I received a thank you note from my contact, Anne Aichele, Director of Student Leadership. She wrote, “The students were engaged and truly enjoyed their interaction with you. I really believe you have a new target audience.” I was reminded, even with thirty years difference, we have more in common than not. Take the advice from Generation “Y” Taylor Schlentz: be yourself. That works best—no matter what your age.