Challenge common stereotypes with the focus on communicating across generational boundaries
“We could see immediately that the sudden influx of Millennial-aged dealers had the potential of affecting critical communications and sales relationships. The idea that anyone can look at a whole generation and say, ‘this is how they are’ is just wrong.”
Description
We created Leading Across Generations in response to a client company that needed to address a younger dealer base. In the motor vehicle industry, succession often means the business is handed to the adult children of the original owners and the manufacturer is finding that generational differences are becoming more of an obstacle in vital dealer relationships.
The workshop aids communication with a variety of original games. Acknowledging the tendency of Millennials to be connected to their phones, the workshop includes innovative online polling via text to take instant surveys among the class.
The game “Guess What Generation We’re Talking About” reveals stereotypes and prejudices. The goal is to get people to realize they may not really understand who they’re communicating with, while highlighting the real obstacles that can be eliminated.
Leading Across Generations is not just about older generations gaining more accurate insights about Millennials. Millennials sitting in the same classroom learn how to be more effective working with older generations. The workshop empowers Millennials to get past the stereotypes they face and engage more effectively across generations with paths to resolutions.
Who Should Attend
The workshop is for all team members. More generational diversity the better!
Why Attend
Participants will learn about:
- Acknowledgment: putting the issue or challenge on the table, without blame or judgment
- Appreciation: identifying the common goal or need, and understanding the WHY behind the other’s behavior
- Adaptation: explore options and alternatives for agreeing
- Alignment: agreeing on the go-forward, restating the plan, and following up to ensure it’s working
Through exercises and simulations participants identify and share common individual goals, that may help facilitate dialogue, including:
- To trust and be trusted
- To learn and grow
- To achieve work-life balance