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 Leading
the Generations
The leadership role has become quite challenging.
With four different generations mixed together in one workplace,
it has become difficult to know which management approach will
work best for everyone. The truth is, one definitive approach
does not exist. Each leader must discover the management style
that will work best personally and for the workforce, taking into
account the different values, work habits, and goals of each generation.
How do you go about doing this?
- Know thyself - Learn where you fall
on the generational timeline. Learn the different characteristics
of your generation. Then, realize that your way isn't the only
way to accomplish tasks, interpret information and needs, or
communicate effectively.
- Learn - Make a concerted effort to
learn and understand the workplace characteristics of the other
generations. As you compare yourself to the other generations,
you will begin to understand why there is conflict, and understanding
is the beginning of wisdom. Soon you will see ways to reduce
conflict and enhance team camaraderie and productivity people.
- Critical human needs - Recognize there
are critical human needs that are not dependent on generations,
things such as: pride in one's work, meaningful work, understanding
goals and roles in the organization, being a player and not
just a hired hand, and being heard. As you realize everyone
wants to be accepted, understood, needed and appreciated, you
will find ways to hone your management style for everyone's
benefit.
- Model desired behaviour - Encourage
everyone to be both teachers and students of each other's values.
Model respect, appreciation and a desire to understand where
others are coming from, and your people will follow your lead.
As Lee Fogle, CEO of Duke University Federal
Credit Union, says, "It's up to us to create a culture where
everyone is valued for what they bring to the team, where they
have a sense of belonging." Strive to make your workplace
a place that is diverse and accepting of all; you will improve
team and organizational performance, a goal all can accept and
work towards.
 Slow
Down for a Second
Now that fall is here and work has picked up
from the summer slump, are you starting to feel a little frantic?
Too much going on? No time to breathe? You're not alone…believe
me… Try some of these things to help you unwind and refocus:
- Take a few minutes to read a funny email or
joke to a co-worker (as long as (s)he has time at that moment
to listen), or tune into an online radio station that features
a comedy channel...a few chuckles will always help you gear
down
- Take a quick walk outside...a bit of fresh
air and sunshine will blow out the frantic fog from the brain
(frigid air and snow in the face do the same, although it's
not quite as pleasant)
- Ensure you eat and drink enough so you don't
have a blood sugar slump and difficulty concentrating
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Quotes This Month
"Children nowadays are tyrants.
They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize
their teachers."
~Socrates, 425 BC~
"…the fact is everyone,
regardless of age, is a member of the workforce of the future.
Everyone, regardless of generation, must become flexible, entrepreneurial,
techno-savvy knowledge workers focused on getting great work done
- or risk becoming obsolete. This is the common ground on which
everyone must collaborate and on which [organizations] must manage"
~Bruce Tulgan~
"Leadership is
the art of getting someone else to do something you want done
because he wants to do it."
~Dwight Eisenhower~
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|
 2301-15th
Avenue, REGINA, SK, Canada S4P 1A3 |
| 306-586-2315
2-1115
Grosvenor Avenue, SASKATOON, SK, Canada S7H 4G2 |
| 306-933-3997
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