One of the thoughts that go through any team member’s head while forming a team would be the composition of the team members age in a team. Does the team need any experienced, say old guy, or it can happen by all the young guns. But who is this generation Y? Does any team really have to have them? Each generation can feel that the other is all messed up in one way or another and that things would be better if they were done as they should be. Next, mutual respect, teamwork, and flexibility are quickly replaced with rice bowls, stovepipes, and cold shoulders. When you get down to basics, the generation gaps aren’t that wide.
Everyone wants to be able to trust the people they work with, no one really likes change when they think they’re going to lose from it, everyone likes feedback and everyone wants to learn. Even when differences become apparent roadblocks, teams should embrace them. That diversity can be the catalyst for true growth and for expanding into new horizons! To break down the generational barriers and get down to team basics, try these strategies.
Play some team building games. Any simple one can do - building a structure from playing cards, an office scavenger hunt like games can quickly break down barriers, engage people toward a common purpose, and lighten the atmosphere. Take time at each team meeting to spotlight a team member and get to know that person as a person - where they are from, what their hobbies are, and what they liked to do when they were young. Team members will quickly find out how much they have in common vs. how much they think they are different. Do a Freaky fun day! Take a day and let team workers switch roles and responsibilities so they get a comprehensive view of what the other deals with. A decent walk in another’s shoes will usually help with clarity!
Everyone wants to be able to trust the people they work with, no one really likes change when they think they’re going to lose from it, everyone likes feedback and everyone wants to learn. Even when differences become apparent roadblocks, teams should embrace them. That diversity can be the catalyst for true growth and for expanding into new horizons! To break down the generational barriers and get down to team basics, try these strategies.
Play some team building games. Any simple one can do - building a structure from playing cards, an office scavenger hunt like games can quickly break down barriers, engage people toward a common purpose, and lighten the atmosphere. Take time at each team meeting to spotlight a team member and get to know that person as a person - where they are from, what their hobbies are, and what they liked to do when they were young. Team members will quickly find out how much they have in common vs. how much they think they are different. Do a Freaky fun day! Take a day and let team workers switch roles and responsibilities so they get a comprehensive view of what the other deals with. A decent walk in another’s shoes will usually help with clarity!
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