A New Kind of Diversity

Making the Different Generations on Your Team a Competitive Advantage

De: Tim Elmore

Narrado por: Tim Elmore

In A New Kind of Diversity, best-selling author Tim Elmore brings his decades of research and leadership experience to bear on what might be the biggest, most dramatic, and most disruptive shift the American workforce has ever seen: the vast diversity of several generations living—and working—together.

The past few years have brought an endless cascade of social media movements that left many of us...well...scratching our heads. #Occupy Wallstreet. #March For Our Lives. #Black Lives Matter. #MeToo. #ClimateChange. Regardless of how you might feel about these protests, each symbolizes a gap. Despite the perspectives on all sides of these causes, a clear issue remains:

There is a huge gap in this country that few are taking seriously.

While diversity is usually seen as an ethnic, gender, or income issue—there is a new kind of diversity that only eight percent of US companies even recognize: diverse generations on teams.

Long laughed off as a cliché and more recently mocked in memes #HowToConfuseMillennials and #OKBoomer hashtags, the generational gap has become an undeniable tension in the global workplace. Sadly, it has fostered:

• Loneliness in our workplaces.
• Poor communication on our teams.
• Reduction in revenue and team morale.
• Conflicting values and priorities in the office.
• Divisions that lead to “walls” instead of “bridges.”

For the first time in history, up to five generations find themselves working alongside each other in a typical company. The result? There can be division. Interactions between people from different generations can resemble a cross-cultural relationship. Both usually possess different values and customs. At times, each generation is literally speaking a different language!

How can we hope to work together when we can’t even understand each other?

This book provides the tools to:

1. Get the most out of the strengths of each age group on your team.
2. Foster effective communication instead of isolation among people.
3. Build bridges rather than walls so that loneliness becomes connectedness.
4. Connect people to learn how both veterans and rookies can mentor each other.

©2022 Maxwell Leadership (P)2022 Maxwell Leadership

Great information, easy listen/read

Tim Elmore does a great job explaining both pros and cons of the generational differences. But most importantly he explains the strengths of each generation and how we all can work together to make progress and to unify our workforce.

Excellent book at the right time!

Tim Elmore is someone I’ve read before and enjoyed but this is my favorite resource from him! I lead a team of 4 generations at a urban multiethnic church and found the book full of incredible nuggets, reflection questions, and reference materials. I’ve now shared the book with my Lead Team and will eventually walk our entire staff through it. 5 out of 5!

Great book

Very informative. Will reread this book several times. There is just so much great stuff to think about in one read.

Eye-opening

Tim Elmore is engaging in this book and I've suggested it to a lot of people. This leadership book isn't just for people with "manager" in their title, it's for anyone who works with people and wants to learn how to engage in a more effective way.

great book on the different generations

great book on explaining the values and background influences of each generation. so very helpful in understanding how to engage, empower and inspire other generations.

Don’t Miss This One!

Finding myself on the other side of the “generation gap”, I listened to this, not once, but twice. I am now going to implement some of the suggestions herein. I’m feeling confident that I understand each generation much better and what needs to be done to bridge the gap.

Excellent information

the author has collected valuable information through decades and shared the key points of each gemeration to understand, relate and take the best of each one, I loved it!

Excellent practical advice for leaders and parents

Key points for me: (1) each generation has something to offer and blind spots to manage. (2) Social and emotional intelligence he suggests is the key to building teams across generational divides. While this has always been true, the relative lack of such skills among the young makes it even more critical. (3) Reverse mentoring where the youngest employees mentor the oldest is a brilliant idea!

Understanding Generational Motivations

Tim Elmore’s A New Kind of Diversity dives into the critical and timely topic of generational dynamics in the workplace and society. The book identifies key themes that revolve around understanding generational motivations, embracing diversity across age groups, and fostering interdependence. Elmore masterfully highlights the strengths, weaknesses, and biases of each generation—from Boomers to Gen Z—while weaving a narrative that shows how these generations are inextricably linked and, in fact, need one another to thrive.

Key Themes

1. Generational Understanding: Elmore explores the unique motivations, work styles, and communication preferences of each generation, helping readers see why one group values stability while another craves innovation.
2. Interdependence: A central theme is the idea that no generation can succeed in isolation. Elmore stresses that collaboration and mutual respect are essential for unlocking the full potential of multigenerational teams.
3. Bias and Assumptions: The book challenges the stereotypes and biases that often create friction between generations, offering tools to unlearn these misconceptions.
4. Actionable Insights for Leaders: Elmore provides practical steps to bridge generational divides, including fostering empathy, embracing adaptability, and leveraging the strengths of each group for collective success.

Major Generational Motivations and Themes

Elmore provides a nuanced breakdown of what drives each generation:

+ Baby Boomers: Purpose and stability, often valuing hard work and loyalty.
+ Gen X: Independence and pragmatism, emphasizing work-life balance and efficiency.
+ Millennials: Purpose-driven innovation, with a desire to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
+ Gen Z: Flexibility and authenticity, craving environments that align with their values and offer personal growth.

By examining these motivations, Elmore reveals the interconnectedness of these generations, showing how their values often complement rather than conflict with one another. For example, the work ethic of Baby Boomers pairs well with the innovation of Millennials, and the pragmatism of Gen X can anchor the bold experimentation of Gen Z.

Generational Conflicts

Elmore does not shy away from addressing the tensions that arise when these generations interact:
+ Communication styles: Baby Boomers may prefer in-person meetings, while Gen Z thrives in digital environments.
+ Expectations of authority: Older generations may value hierarchical structures, whereas younger ones gravitate toward collaboration and flat leadership models.
+ Work ethic: Differences in approaches to work-life balance and productivity often lead to misunderstandings.

These conflicts, Elmore argues, stem largely from bias and a lack of understanding, not inherent incompatibility. He provides tools for leaders and individuals to foster dialogue and empathy across age groups.

Critical Interpretation

Tim Elmore’s message is both timely and profound: generational diversity is a strength, not a hindrance. The book’s brilliance lies in its actionable strategies for overcoming bias and its invitation to view generational differences as opportunities for growth rather than sources of division. Elmore’s writing is accessible yet deeply insightful, drawing on research, anecdotes, and practical frameworks to guide readers toward a more inclusive and productive perspective.

One potential critique, however, is that while the book provides valuable strategies, some solutions may feel overly simplified for deeply entrenched workplace conflicts. Readers may need to adapt Elmore’s tools to their specific contexts for optimal results. Additionally, while the book celebrates diversity, it could delve deeper into the intersectionality of generational dynamics with other factors such as race, gender, and cultural background.

Recommendation

I give A New Kind of Diversity a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars. It is an indispensable resource for leaders, educators, and anyone seeking to understand generational differences and build bridges across them. This book stands out for its ability to transform perceptions, offering readers the epiphany that at different stages of life, we are not as different as pop culture and stereotypes often suggest.

For those looking to mitigate bias, embrace diversity, and take actionable steps toward fostering harmony and productivity, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It serves as a guidepost for recognizing the value of each generation and cultivating environments where their unique contributions can shine. If you’re ready to challenge your assumptions and unlock the full potential of your multigenerational team, this book is a must-read.

Great Listen

Great listen and interesting author. Read the book for a brown bag at my work and would highly recommend.