After a recent merger with another organization, the department is facing conflict related to the team’s differing age groups and cultural beliefs that span across four generations. As one can imagine, the differences in age and cultural beliefs are impacting team performance and cooperation with other departments. In this essay, one will assess the situation the department is facing, create clear and reasonable goals to achieve unity across the team, outlay a strategy to overcome conflicts and improve workplace performance, discuss how success will be measured based on the goals created, and evaluate what leadership traits need to be incorporated to lead such a diverse department. With the team including four generations (baby boomers, generation X, millennials, and generation Z), it is easy to see how the differing mindsets can cause frustration. The baby boomers in the
team have most likely been in the industry for a few decades and are set in their ways as far as how things should be done while those considered generation z are most likely fresh out of college with new ideas that they feel are better than what is currently being done and want to make changes to everything right away. This can make the baby boomers feel like all of their hard work is being torn apart and that the processes they created are obsolete. The same goes for differing cultures. Depending on an employee’s culture, they may respond differently to change, they may interact with others differently, and they may not be so forthcoming with offering their opinions (Cheng & Groysberg, 2020).
The expectation is for the team to work collaboratively with one another towards a common goal. In order to meet that expectation, the following goals must be met: Come to an understanding that the diversity
that is currently within the team is a good thing and work to eliminate generational stereotypes. Providing education on both of these items will help the team achieve these goals. As it relates to diversity being a good thing, the difference in age and culture brings different skills, experience, and viewpoints. The younger employees can bring new, fresh ideas to the table while the older employees can discuss their previous experience in similar situations (what worked and what didn’t). Secondly, working to eliminate generational stereotypes will help the team understand each other a bit better. A great example of a stereotype would be that baby boomers are horrible with technology. Another being that generation z is fresh out of school, they lack the experience needed to make an impactful contribution to the team or that they are unwilling to be loyal to their employer (staying with the same company for decades like some baby boomers). All in all, educating the team that everyone has something to bring to the table regardless of age and culture is a good place to start (Bailey & Owens, 2020).
In hopes of overcoming these conflicts and improving workplace performance, the organization should start by fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion and work to bring the team together, so they
are used to working with one another and understand the value that each member brings to the team. In regard to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, the organization can start with an anonymous survey to gauge employees’ acceptance of diverse co-workers and candidates to identify pain points. Using the results of the survey, a learning module can be created and presented to the team. This will also allow the team the opportunity to raise concerns or issues they have faced in hopes of opening the eyes of their peers. After the presentation is complete, the anonymous survey will be retaken by the team to gauge the success of the presentation. In addition, management should also be great examples of what inclusivity looks like. Direct reports tend to mirror their mentors and managers. If they see senior
leadership is open to differing views and backgrounds, they will be more accepting as well. In regard to bringing the team together, team building activities are essential when it comes to “breaking the ice” and knocking down barriers. A potluck where everyone brings a dish that represents
