When she was only 18 years old, in 1815, the English author Mary Shelley wrote the story of Victor Frankenstein , a young scientist who creates a hideous creature in an unusual scientific experiment – not knowing that his own creature would become his worst nightmare.
I sometimes wonder whether we are not creating our own monsters by creating stereotypes that we label as “Generational Diversity”. Granted, we are different, because people and times change. Our circumstances, our worlds, our tools and technology change by the hour – making life both easier and more difficult at the same time.
New generations don’t need to know about bank cheques, snail mail, typewriters and telegrams. They don’t see the need for correct spelling if a spell check can do it for them. And they almost battle to understand why it is important to learn for exams if Google can answer all their questions.
The Baby Boomers and X-Generation adults (born before 1980) get thoroughly irritable with the Millennials and Generation Zees’ smart phone and social media addiction, with little patience for their entitlement and need for instant gratification. “What a cheek!” we say, that they want to know about their raise and leave perks after three months’ work.
They, in turn, see us as long-winded, not “getting to the point” with our detailed e-mails or explanatory conversations. They demand regular feedback, better technology and a flexible work environment. Why not, if they get the job done?
How often do we question Prof Google’s results? I wonder if we haven’t created our own Frankenstein generations, believing that we have no other choice but to manage the fruit basket of different species into one palatable fruit salad that everyone would love.
Is the time not ripe to look for similarity rather than differences? Without ignoring the fact that the Boomers were the Groupies who created mega conference halls and churches, inciting people to “be a great team”. Putting the backs up of the X’ers (born after 1960) who chose to be individualistic with a balanced work and quality private life.
What harm could it do to allow the Millennials their flexible work hours, as long as they make their work targets? Would it not also contribute to less hours spent in traffic? And wouldn’t their need for feedback and better coffee make everybody happier?
How would it be if we could see people as people – different and individualistic, with similar and differing needs and potential. Is it possible to find common traits, to be slow to label people as “angry,” “lazy” or “entitled”? Could the Millennial’s need for a raise be caused by the debt of his student loan or the petrol bill he cannot afford? Is the Boomer’s anger not perhaps caused by fear or fatigue?
If everybody in the workplace bears in mind that people need acceptance, recognition and simple relationship, we could all become mentors for one another, regardless of our age or generation.
Millennials and Z’s need to accept that their age does not issue them with history or wisdom. Boomers could provide this in exchange for technological savvy, which they did not grow up with.
Do we really need the constant analysis and management of the generational differences – or do we need to start practising old-fashioned humility, getting closer to one another with sincere interest in what the other person brings to the party?
