Did you hear about this?!
A mom was arrested for allegedly letting her 11-year-old son explore outside alone in their small town.
I’m not here to argue whether that was right or wrong on any level, but it reminds us that things have changed…
Way back in the 1900s, millions of kids roamed freely without phones or constant supervision. Fast forward to today, that same freedom might raise concerns of neglect from the masses. There has been a culture shift, and it’s affecting teams at work.
Something to consider…
Diverse Perspectives in the Workplace
We all know that our workforce is diverse—not just in background, but in values, perspectives, expectations, and even definitions of “responsibility” and “work ethic.”
This diversity has to matter to leaders: nearly 75% of employees say they’re more productive when they feel understood by their manager (Gallup). To unlock greater potential and results on your team, leaders need to know their people on a deeper human level. And I don’t mean personality tests…
Understanding Generational Perspectives
Think about that “babysitting” example:
Many seasoned employees grew up in an era where independence and “figuring it out” were essential, and they really value initiative, accountability, and resilience because of it.
On the other hand, many of today’s younger team member’s story is different. Not better or worse, just different. They bring strengths like efficiency, adaptability, and innovation. They often value serious mentorship and increased guidance greatly—70% of younger workers report they seek connection and guidance in the workplace (Harvard Business Review). Of course they do, many of them grew up with a babysitter — someone to hold their hand and make sure they were okay and didn’t have to fail first in order to succeed.
What’s interesting is that for many older employees, this difference can feel like a lack of initiative or “coddling” from their younger teammates, which unintentionally and often unknowingly creates tension and misunderstandings.
The Importance of Connection in Leadership
Hear me carefully — When leaders take the time to learn each team member’s stories, their personal experiences, then they empower themselves to better drive results with and through their team. By investing time and energy into understanding each person, you transform potential frustrations into unique team strengths — your competitive advantage — fostering a 21% boost in performance (MIT Sloan).
21% boost!!!
Connecting builds trust and creates a culture where everyone is empowered to bring their best.
Discover the Top 12 Leadership Issues Our Training Addresses
IF YOU WANT LEADERSHIP SUCCESS…
Here’s a challenge:
In your next one-to-one meeting, start by sharing something about your own background and invite your team members to do the same. Listen for clues as to who they are and what they need from you. You might even ask: “Did you have a babysitter or after-school care growing up? How did that shape your perspective?” It’s a simple, insightful conversation starter.
Leadership success isn’t about knowing all the answers anymore, it’s about building a connected team that finds them together.
