H1 “Young sacks and old jumpers”.
Provocative thesis and humorously intended headline. The cooperation of sometimes four generations often harbors friction and pigeonholing. Perhaps the pigeonholes can be left behind if we engage in a truly open and overarching exchange. Our idea is not to discuss within the generations, but among and with each other.
So we invited experienced managers from among our customers and friends and asked them to bring representatives of the younger generation. From baby boomers to Generation Z, everyone was thus well represented.
During our event, a very lively and also emotional discussion developed between young and old. This showed us that the topic of cross-generational cooperation is more topical than ever! In the discussion it became clear that the described pigeonholing of the different generations does not help us. Let us rather look at what unites us: Search for meaning and an open attitude without hasty evaluation. Another focus of discussion was the younger generations’ desire for individual treatment instead of the collective arrangements still prevalent in many companies. For the future, it means that we need new answers in HR policy and, above all, a new culture of cooperation and leadership. A culture of active listening, jointly reflected implementation and constructive mastery of conflicts. How do you experience this?
The response has encouraged us, motivated us to go into planning for our next ILD Talk. According to the motto – Listening instead of talking! Cooperation instead of generation!
Thanks to @Sylvia Borcherding, for the insights she gave us on the topic of reverse mentoring at 50Hertz / Elia Group!
Thanks to all guests of our ILD Talk yesterday for your participation and trust!
Bernd Fricke (PIN AG), Dagmar Blume (Alstom), Marion Winkenbach (DIN Group), Viola Krzyzanowski (Mercedes-Benz AG), Jeannine Koch (medianet), Janin Winkler (50Herz), Jessica Harrendorf (Mercedes- Benz AG) Miriam R. (50Herz), Jessica Gutsche (Beuth Verlag), Stefan Brausse (Alstom), Jan-L. Flade (Enertrag AG), Lukas P. Meißner (Mazars), Mariyana Lippe (50Herz) Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)