HBR On Leadership cover image

HBR On Leadership

How to Bridge Generational Gaps on Your Team

Jan 15, 2025
Lindsey Pollak, a workplace expert and author of "The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace," shares invaluable insights on managing a diverse workforce. She discusses the complexities of leading older employees and engaging them with new technologies. Pollak offers practical strategies for building trust, fostering open communication, and understanding individual motivations across generations. Her anecdotes highlight the importance of personalized communication and teamwork in creating a cohesive and effective work environment.
34:28

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Effective communication and relationship-building between younger managers and older employees are essential for fostering trust and collaboration.
  • Leaders should exhibit empathy and flexibility in their management styles to support team members navigating generational changes and technology adaptation.

Deep dives

Navigating Cross-Generational Challenges

Managing a multi-generational workforce is increasingly complex as organizations now have up to five generations working together. The dynamics of employee relationships differ based on the generational norms and expectations that have evolved over decades. For instance, the expectations of a 21-year-old today vary significantly from those of a 21-year-old in the 1950s, illustrating how societal changes impact workplace culture. Leaders must recognize these evolving dynamics and adapt their management styles to facilitate better collaboration among diverse age groups.

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