134. Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce

For the first time in history, we have 5 different generations in the workplace: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

And it's causing a whole lot of tension across various industries, including early childhood education.

But the source of this tension isn't the fact that there are 5 generations working alongside each other. Instead, the issue stems from the way we're choosing to address this unique time in history.

Whenever you bring different people together in one space, there are bound to be contrasting opinions, varying perspectives, and distinct ways of doing things.

What comes to mind as the perfect example is Passover—children, parents, grandparents (and even great-grandparents!) all in one room, coming together to commemorate a story that each generation experiences differently.

But do those differences prevent us from telling that story and celebrating together as a family?

Of course not! Quite the opposite, in fact. It's our differences that add nuance and develop  a deeper understanding of our heritage.

The same can be said within the context of the workplace.

Instead of seeing generational differences as something you need to overcome, manage, or fix, you should look at them as an opportunity to create a more inclusive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

How you go about shaping that environment is what I'm exploring on this week's podcast. I'll take you through a detailed comparison of the 5 generations and discuss how you as a leader can navigate those differences within your center.

Join me for a conversation about:

• The 5 generations in our modern workforce
• The core characteristics of each generation based on their unique experiences
• How each generation compares in terms of communication styles and motivation
• Strategies for navigating generational differences to create an inclusive environment

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

If you're looking for support in navigating generational differences that you can rely on long-term, join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you level up your leadership, transform your culture, and build a school of excellence. 

One issue that comes up frequently with regard to generational differences is delegation, as different generations tend to prefer different management styles. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to attend our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. During this 90-minute online workshop, you'll learn how to delegate effectively so you can manage a high-performing team that will help you achieve your goals. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegate

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.