Heterogeneous teams tend to have greater potential than teams whose members are very similar to one another. This rule also applies to age. Having people from different age groups enriches any team in many ways. In a multigenerational team, experience that comes with age intersects with creativity that comes with youth, which makes the team as a whole more diverse and better able to face various challenges that may arise in the future. But how to maintain the integrity of the group as a whole and good relationships among colleagues when there are age differences?
Support for collaboration
According to Forbes, it is important not to separate younger and older colleagues but instead strive for their maximum integration. First, it is advisable not to divide colleagues into separate offices by age, thereby creating quasi subteams based on how old people are. Ideally, everyone should work together in one office or open space, although the precise arrangement naturally depends on the size of your team.
It is equally necessary to hold joint meetings and briefings. Address the entire group as a whole and seek to unite the team in pursuit of a shared objective. Similar motivations usually help overcome differences among colleagues, including age differences.
Knowledge sharing and mentoring
Both youth and age have their own advantages and disadvantages. Everyone can teach others something they know and learn from others in areas where they are less experienced. Open up dialogue among colleagues and actively encourage them to exchange views, experiences and skills in a constructive way.
Often in the case of younger employees intervention is necessary if they show a lack of respect towards older colleagues. It is essential to make clear that showing disdain towards others because of age will not be tolerated in your team. Similarly, older employees may need reminding not to look down on younger colleagues due to their perceived lack of experience. As a team manager, you should serve as a moral unifying force and an example to others.
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