The Workplace Electric - An Approach to the Multi-Generational Workplace

I created a cool course based on Coaching Up and Down the Generations. I thought you might like to see the four distinctions I included in the workshop.

• Think about how these distinctions show up in your daily habits and how your work would be affected (enlivened) if they did show up.

One other point. I created this class to take the place of traditional "generations" classes. I find the whole "four generations in the workplace" stuff a bit tedious and I think many books and programs side-step most important learning. Understanding the Boomers, Xs and Ys is helpful, but the real opportunity comes when we are all more open and coachable. Young blue-hairs with old blue-hairs, having a good time getting the work done. The course is called:

The Workplace Electric: Multi-Directional Communication, Connection, and Collaboration

Four-hour instructor led class that teaches four distinctions through the use of five exercises.

Overall Idea:

Imagine a workplace where you got to meet and work with fascinating and talented people, where you tested and developed your intelligence every day, and where you were highly sought after for input, ideas, coaching, and collaboration. Imagine standing in the center of a busy intersection where exciting initiatives and nimble processes zoomed by to shape an exciting future. Imagine being a critical member of one or more super teams – people who do their best work together and catalyze each other’s discovery and growth. That would be a pretty awesome workplace, wouldn’t it? It is possible when you learn how to communicate, connect, and collaborate up and down generations and utilize differences to improve individual and group productivity and growth.  I call this great place The Workplace Electric – a super-charged culture and environment.

There are Four Distinctions:

1. People Are Fascinating: The people you work with are fascinating. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you.

2. People Are Strange: You are all highly talented and highly flawed. Half the people around you seem a bit strange and you are a bit strange to many of those with whom you work. Don’t let judgment get in the way of connection and collaboration.

3. We Don’t Think Like That: You create the Workplace Electric. When someone does not think like you do, realize that it is because they don’t THINK LIKE YOU DO. Your experiences are unique and of your "time." You should not expect people to share your assumptions or initial perceptions. By working together, you and your coworkers can build commonality and help each other grow (thereby helping the organization succeed and grow). Communicating, connecting, and collaborating up and down the generations is a fun and fulfilling way to work.

4. We Are Our Coachability: Coachability is your currency for learning. To receive great coaching and support, you need to be coachable. To coach others well, you need to help them be more coachable.

Invitation:

Be a Catalyst: Your beliefs about the nature of great workplaces makes a difference. You each play a large role in creating strong learning communities.

Do you like the four distintions? Do you see how you can use them to self-assess the alignment of your work habits? I know what you might be thinking..... "Lisa, you take time to teach people that people are strange?" Yes, people love it and thinking about this in a productive way allows for a new and more open approach to self-awareness, tolerance, and growth. It is tops.

Any anyway, we ARE all a bit strange....Bring it up at your next team meeting and see what happens....

Comments

[Trisha Bishop]

Wally, this article explains the individuals I work with. I think the keyword throughout your blog is respect. Co-workers need to respect others differences. Once respect is in place, workplace electricity forms.

[Chuck Hebert]

This article is so true. Working with people from different parts of the country and across the generational divides, I find I'm always reminding myself that we all have different perspectives and backgrounds. If you are aware and open to new ways of thinking there can be some great synergy! Thanks for the post.

[Maria Payroll]

Interesting post. I've read a post about overdependent employees and employees who tend to isolate themselves. You need to change these behaviors when you know you'll be in a team. Overdependent employees can be annoying and can distract you from doing your job well. You need to be someone whom your co-workers can count on. I agree with Chuck, you need to be aware of your differences and learn to respects their practices or beliefs. Respect them and they will respect you, too.