Generational Compromise

In all areas of life, it is essential for us to engage in generational compromise. It’s important for me as a mother, a speaker, an employer, a coach (1-2-1, parent). But, I would argue that it’s even more important for organizations.

There are multiple different generations in the workforce right now, and they each value different things and have different strengths. When you’re in an organization, it’s essential to be able to compromise across generations and reach resolutions that work for everyone, especially as it relates to employee retention.

Compromise is vital to employee retention - and I don’t think people take the time to explain why. Compromise helps reinforce group norms, and creates a sense of community. When you can get the majority of the group to buy into a solution, especially if there is an emphasis on group values, it strengthens the group as a whole and motivates people to keep the compromise going.

Compromise also allows everyone to feel heard - if you allow everyone, especially in a cross-generational context, to voice their concerns, and what they think needs to be improved upon, creates unity among different generations, and allows individuals to learn about what every group’s unique needs are. Compromise leads to cohesion - and cohesion is one of the most important things to allow for a strong organization.

I am thrilled to be speaking about EXACTLY this topic on November 21st at the NVTC DEIA workshop, where we will be doing a deep dive on a muti-generational workplace, and how that influences organizations, employees, and what it means for communication.

Generational gaps and the importance of considering the needs of people across all groups are a passion of mine - one so deep that I did my PhD thesis on it!

Regardless of the generation you find yourself in - take the time to respect those who are in different ones, and understand that though their needs and values may be different than yours, they are no less important and worthy of respect.