When you start to work with people from different generations – Gen X, millennials, late baby boomers — do you ever get the feeling you’re speaking a different language? If so, you’re not alone.
Connected by technology
Research has shown that Millennials (age 15 – 30) often have more in common with their peers around the globe than they do with older generations in their home country. Because of the speed of technology, global trends can come and go faster than ever.
As the walls of separation fall apart between generations, we find ourselves mingling with Gen Xers, millennials and the “net” generation. Never before have the generations been so intertwined with one another.
New norms
Thanks to the digital age, our systems of school, work and society have broken down many of the structures previously in place. No longer does dad come home to watch the evening news before the kids are cleaned up, served dinner and sent to bed. That might have been the way it was a couple of generations ago, but now there is fluid movement between generations and in the way we consume new and information. What once were strict rules are now wide open avenues of information and communication.
How can we, as elders, tap into what “the kids” are doing and keep pace with them in this Information Age?
Bigger than the Beatles?
Think about it: It took the Beatles two years to become famous in the U.S. after becoming popular in Liverpool, and they sold about 75 million records in the twenty years after the British Invasion of 1964. Not too shabby.
In contrast, Korean rapper Psy reached 1 billion views on his YouTube video Gangnam Style in December 2012 — after only six months online. The internet has made cultural transfer easier than ever — at least geographically speaking.
Pack a bag before you travel
So how do we overcome generational cultural differences? Actually, thinking about it in terms of cultural differences can make it a lot easier. If you were packing for a trip to another country, would you:
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Learn a few phrases in the local language?
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Read up on the history and famous cultural icons?
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Find out and observe some of the local customs to avoid offense?
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Keep an open mind?
This approach works really well for intergenerational relationships as well as intercultural ones. Sometimes, the barrier simply comes from the assumption that we ought to be more alike. This applies equally to older and younger generations.
Stay open, explore and learn
When we discover differences, it can cause cognitive dissonance — a mental conflict — that makes it difficult for us to bridge the gap. If we start from a position of exploration and learning, we can more easily find our place and stay open to learning from others.
We have a rule in the WiseTribe Imrov sessions: Don’t say ”No.” In other words, don’t negate what the other person is trying to “give us.” A “No” stops the action and the action then comes to a standstill. By keeping an open mind we are giving the other person a chance to be heard, to share and to teach.
Sure, Psy might not be our cup of tea but he’s at least interesting enough to attract a billion viewers. Why? Who knows? But if you are open to the idea of at least discovering that he exists you can have a conversation with a Gen X’er. You might even find that you both share a common distaste for Psy, but hey, you have that in common! Keep an open mind and see what comes of it.
Start by saying it like it is
Of course, since we usually live in the same country, this is easier said than done. One of our members, Eileen Cummings, said she finds it hard to get straight answers from most people in their 20s and 30s because of this cultural gap — they’re often afraid to shock or offend. “It’s the very old and the very young who are left saying whatever they want over the great generational divide.
When we try to get to know someone from a different generation, how do we reach this place of mutual openness?
Elizabeth Kays is a storyteller with a background in science and a deep love for all things intercultural and intergenerational. She graduated with a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Oxford, deepening her appreciation for science and culture. Elizabeth has more than 10 years of experience helping Millennials discover their talents. She’s more than a little bit nerdy and loves cooking, writing, speaking and watching cheesy sci-fi. Follow her on Twitter (@LizKays) and on Tumblr.
Check out our blog for more insights on how WiseTribers are working to bridge the generational gap. Look for Bridging the generation gap, parts II & III. Join us to contribute your ideas!
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