The same concept applies to multigenerational teams. By bringing together workers from a variety of age groups, you can harness, for example, the energy and adaptability of Gen Y while also benefiting from the dependability and experience of Baby Boomers and beyond. Sounds great, right? But, how do you overcome the gaps and squabbles that seem inevitably to arise between these groups?
An Action Plan for Success
Openly acknowledge and address the issue. Sometimes, all that it takes to begin to diffuse the tension is an open acknowledgement that a gap exists. Setting up a meeting to discuss multigenerational team issues can be enormously productive in creating an atmosphere conducive to positive change.
Take steps to leverage knowledge across age groups. Take the initiative to start programs that will encourage cooperation across generations. A mentoring program that pairs younger and older workers can be a beneficial way to kick-start this sort of collaboration. Emphasize that the knowledge and learning will flow both ways in the mentoring partnership.
Make room for fun, too. Left to their own devices, workers from different age groups aren’t likely to mingle. If an opportunity presents itself, plan an event that highlights generational differences while also encouraging group solidarity. For example, a potluck dinner or costume party in which everyone’s contribution represents their own era can spark some lively cross-generational conversations.
This article was contributed by HealtheCareers.com, the ACR’s online job database partner. For more information about careers in rheumatology, visit the ACR’s Rheumatology Career Center at www.rheumatology.org. Here you can learn more about what is affecting rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals today, find career development tools to help you from the day you choose rheumatology to the day you retire, and post/search jobs through Career Connection.
