Improving Leader Effectiveness Across Multi-Generational Workforces

There currently are four generations of people in the workforce which presents a potential challenge for leaders to navigate differences in generational perspectives, values, and priorities. The current paper addresses several questions: Do generational differences exist relative to work relationships? Are generational differences independent of time period and stage of life? Is there a skillset to improve effectiveness of leaders of multiple generations? Perception of generational differences exist and result in workplace issues for leaders to address. However, differences among workers are based more on individual differences and stage of life than on “membership” in a given generation. Regardless of generation, all people want to be respected and valued by leaders, and leaders should consider people as individuals rather than as a member of a stereotyped generation.