176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast Talk Smart

Communicating, Influence, Career Skills, Career, Business, Education, Leadership, Careers, Communication, Career Growth, Public Speaking, Language Learning, Improv

4.7 • 711 Ratings

🗓️ 31 December 2024

⏱️ 19 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization.

Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them.

As director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and founder of the McCann Group, McCann has spent years researching intergenerational workplace dynamics. With four to six generations now working side by side, he says there’s never been a better time to create synergies between the old and the young.

"There's a tremendous opportunity for meeting and interacting with people who are different than you, for increasing a variety of potential outcomes in business in a positive way, if we can maximize our intergenerational engagement," he says. His research reveals that while many organizations focus on gender and ethnic diversity, age diversity often gets overlooked in DEI initiatives — despite its crucial role in workplace success.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McCann joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can move beyond superficial age diversity to create meaningful cross-generational connections. From reverse mentoring programs to shadow boards, they explore practical ways leaders can harness the power of generational difference to drive innovation and collaboration.

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(02:04) - Why Generational Interactions Matter
(02:57) - What is a Generation?
(04:06) - Combating Workplace Ageism
(05:24) - Breaking Stereotypes
(07:59) - Better Intergenerational Interactions
(10:44) - Technology and Training Across Generations
(12:29) - The Three Final Questions
(18:17) - Conclusion

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hi, Matt here. You've invested in your education to grow, advance, and unlock new career opportunities.
0:07.0	But here's the challenge. How do you position yourself to stand out in a competitive job market?
0:13.0	It's not just about what you know. It's about how much you communicate your value, build strategic relationships, and take decisive action.
0:21.7	That's where today's sponsor, Strawberry.me, career coaching, comes in.
0:26.2	They match students and professionals with certified career coaches who will help you refine
0:31.1	your personal brand to confidently articulate your skills and experiences,
0:35.4	to develop a results-driven strategy and stay accountable so you
0:39.8	follow through on networking, applications, and negotiations. Because knowing what to do is one thing.
0:46.4	Having a coach to push you forward, that's how you create real momentum in progress.
0:51.9	Visit strawberry.m.m.m. TFTS and claim your $50 credit. That's strawberry.
0:59.1	dot me slash TFTS.
1:03.3	Communicating among the different generations in the workplace can be quite challenging. Some
1:08.4	companies have between four and five generations
1:11.6	working side by side.
1:15.0	My name is Matt Abrahams and I teach
1:17.2	strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
1:21.0	Welcome to Think Fast, Talk Smart, the podcast.
1:28.8	Today I'm excited to speak with Bob McCamp.
1:31.6	Bob holds his primary faculty appointment at the UCLA Anderson School of Management,
1:36.0	where he is also the director of the Leadership Communication Program, and a secondary
1:40.9	appointment at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.
1:47.1	Bob teaches courses in leadership communication, entrepreneurship, global leadership, and persuasion.
	...

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