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Dr. Dionne Nicole Curbeam
Listen to this articleDr. Dionne Nicole Curbeam
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Coppin State University
There are as many as five generations in the workplace currently. All are very different in needs and the way they communicate. How do you lead through collaboration with all generations and the strengths you find in each one? In particular in the new workplace normal we are working through now how are the generations coming together differently to succeed as a team?
The topic of intergenerational collaboration in the workplace is a continuous topic discussed by my team. My direct reports encompass people from millennials to baby boomers. In the larger division, we add the Generation Z and traditionalist generation to the mix. I’ve had to do a lot of self-reflection and even discussion with colleagues to get a handle on successfully leading a multi-generation team. Here’s what I do:
- Have an open space for communication. Part of the communication is to have these generational conversations, and be open to hear everyone’s concerns.
- Listen to everyone’s opinions and ideas. In meetings, I give way for everyone to share their thoughts.
- Focus on strengths. For example, I task my millennials with social media outreach.
