After reading this article on Google’s innovative management structure, I started thinking about additional ways a bi-generational leadership team could help businesses to grow.
Underlying much of what we do at Courageous Leaders are such things as looking at the future sustainability of the business we’re working in, believing in and working towards behaviour change that contribute to that future sustainability and courage in leadership – all of those daily acts leaders are required to do that need a little bit of courage to approach, confront and overcome.
Future sustainability of the business for us means integrating the people and the organisation – having an alignment of goals and purpose within the company’s culture. A mixture of characteristics attributed to Generation X, Y and Baby Boomer leaders could help achieve just that;
– the drive and dedication that characterise Baby Boomers coupled with the self-worth they derive from their work,
– the balance of work and life that Generation X strive to achieve and their adaptability to change,
– the global, technologically savvy outlook that Generation Y possess in addition to their propensity to enjoy being mentored by older generations.
It sounds like a dream combination!
The behaviour changes that would need to occur from an old-style vertical hierarchy would be huge – the entrenched systems, processes and ways of working that have been carried out for decades would need to be recalibrated.
Baby Boomer idealists who believe they can change the world and question the status quo should have no trouble changing processes that no longer make sense, Gen X we have already mentioned adapt well to change and Gen Y are seen as cooperative team players.
Although the general characteristics of these three generations appear to point to the logical – and seemingly smooth – conclusion that multiple generations at the helm do make a stronger company, there is a courage required to make it actually work.
Courage to share leadership where previously there has been none.
Courage to give and receive feedback where misinterpretation and indignation is likely.
Courage to embrace personal responsibility in ensuring the behaviour changes that have been identified as necessary to succeed are continued, despite the easier option of returning to the status quo lurking.
Do you think bi-generational leadership works? Why or why not?
