Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations

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Dec 31, 2024

Bob McCann, Director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and expert in intergenerational dynamics, shares his insights on age diversity in the workplace. He emphasizes that fostering connections between generations can greatly enhance organizational success. McCann explores innovative strategies like reverse mentoring and shadow boards, highlighting how they drive collaboration and innovation. Additionally, he discusses the overlooked importance of age diversity in DEI initiatives, advocating for a shift towards meaningful intergenerational engagement for better outcomes.

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INSIGHT

Generational Interactions Matter

Generational interaction matters due to the presence of 4-6 generations in the workplace.
This age diversity presents opportunities for positive business outcomes through maximized intergenerational engagement.

ADVICE

Age Diversity in DEI

Include age diversity in DEI efforts, alongside gender and ethnicity.
Scan company websites and materials for age-inclusive imagery and language.

ADVICE

Promote Quality Interactions

Implement shadow boards, where younger individuals observe senior board members.
Use reverse mentoring, where younger and older workers mentor each other on different skills.

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Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization.

Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them.

As director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and founder of the McCann Group, McCann has spent years researching intergenerational workplace dynamics. With four to six generations now working side by side, he says there’s never been a better time to create synergies between the old and the young.

"There's a tremendous opportunity for meeting and interacting with people who are different than you, for increasing a variety of potential outcomes in business in a positive way, if we can maximize our intergenerational engagement," he says. His research reveals that while many organizations focus on gender and ethnic diversity, age diversity often gets overlooked in DEI initiatives — despite its crucial role in workplace success.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McCann joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can move beyond superficial age diversity to create meaningful cross-generational connections. From reverse mentoring programs to shadow boards, they explore practical ways leaders can harness the power of generational difference to drive innovation and collaboration.

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:30) - Why Generational Interactions Matter
(02:23) - What is a Generation?
(03:32) - Combating Workplace Ageism
(04:50) - Breaking Stereotypes
(07:25) - Better Intergenerational Interactions
(10:10) - Technology and Training Across Generations
(11:55) - The Three Final Questions
(17:43) - Conclusion

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