If you are managing a team in today’s workplace, chances are that you are managing multiple generations—often, up to four! Multigenerational management has become a hot topic in recent years as the workplace undergoes an important demographic shift. More employees are working later in life than ever before, while younger generations come of working age and enter the labor force. Putting in place a multigenerational mentoring program in place is a key move, and here’s why:
- Innovation & Problem Solving: Research and studies have indicated that generationally diverse teams can be better at creative problem solving and innovation. This strength largely relies on how collaborative and cohesive the team is, which makes the argument for incorporating a multigenerational mentoring program compelling. By reducing generational conflict by facilitating understanding and open communication and improving team development, your organization is primed for improved innovation and problem-solving. A generationally diverse team is able to bring in different ideas, perspectives, and experiences that nurture a culture of innovation. It also helps reduce the pitfalls of “groupthink” that teams can fall into, particularly when a diversity of ideas is not present. Groupthink reduces a team’s ability to make good decisions and innovate business practices effectively. When employees have a diverse internal network within your organization, they are able to tap into that diversity more effectively to help solve important business problems.
- Employee & Customer Experience: Employee and customer experiences are intertwined and crucial to your organization’s success. An employee that is not feeling engaged and motivated will not provide the best customer experience that you rely on to retain customers and attract referrals to increase profits. Because multigenerational mentoring helps improve the three points discussed above, your employees’ experiences working in your organization improve and develop a culture of inclusiveness and collaboration. This culture, in turn, improves employee engagement, making each person more personally invested in the success and reputation of your brand. This personal investment leads to greater customer experience through interactions with an engaged and motivated employee; one who is being developed to use the technology available to provide fast, effective service and to communicate with customers professionally and clearly through various channels.
- Your Bottom Line: There are many factors that contribute to the growth of your bottom line. Two of the most important drivers are your team and your customers. When you are able to manage a multigenerational team effectively, your organization will enjoy the profits of greater innovation, improved collaboration and problem-solving, more engaged employees, and happier customers.
A multigenerational mentoring program is a simple change that has the ability to make a big impact on your team, your organizational culture, and your bottom line. Learn more about how improving your multigenerational management skills by signing up for one of our Leadership Skills Workshops.