Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce

De: Megan Gerhardt PhD, Josephine Nachemson-Ekwall, Brandon Fogel

Narrado por: Jennifer Jill Araya

Leading a generationally diverse workforce is challenging; this book provides a listener's guide of best-in-class strategies for harnessing and unleashing its potential.

This book first introduces gentelligence as a powerful business strategy, and shows why it is critical for the future of work. It then presents a practical guide and a call to action for leaders of all ages to unlock the potential strengths of each generation. Listeners will learn how an intergenerational workforce can be reframed as a profound business opportunity, and discover how gentelligence can help them win the talent war, create strong, diverse teams, and build adaptable cultures that will flourish in an era of rapid change.

Gentelligence shares groundbreaking evidence that will have listeners thinking about their generationally diverse workforce in an entirely different way. Listeners will discover:

• Where generational conflict originates, and how it results in both dangerous ageism and reverse ageism in today’s workplaces
• Why the generation gap stems from a misunderstanding of shared core values across all generations
• How to find essential common ground with colleagues, both older and younger, and recognize the unique needs that come with different generational identities
• How generational shaming leads us to view those from other generations as competitors rather than collaborators, further damaging employee engagement, team dynamics, innovation, and organizational culture
• How leveraging the unique strengths of each generation at work can lead to a win-win outcome for all
• How traditional views on leadership have been turned upside down as a result of new generational dynamics, with many employees currently being led by managers that are younger than themselves, and older leaders struggling to make sense of changing norms around authority and power

Unlike other books on generational leadership, this book rejects common stereotypes assigned to different generations, replacing them with a deep understanding of why those who grew up in different times may behave in unique and valuable ways. We challenge leaders to go beyond simply accepting generational differences to leverage them proactively to increase engagement, innovation, and organizational success.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Megan Gerhardt, Josephine Nachemson-Ekwall, Brandon Fogel (P)2021 Podium Audio

Extremely insightful

A must-read for managers, this book adds several leadership tools four building an effective and happy workforce.

A must-have for anyone interested in professional and personal development

This was an incredibly inspirational and insightful read. Gentelligence is a powerful tool and lens for any age group to better understand each other. From helping each generation articulate their definition of success, to differing views on work-life balance, this book acts a guide to start a dialogue. Whether you are looking to better understand your siblings, work colleagues, or friends, Gentelligence offers new perspectives to overcome the “us versus them” mentality.

Allow me to “geek out” on both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Professional Wrestling for a moment. In BJJ, and most martial arts, one of the key foundations is creating an environment that fosters learning in both directions (teacher to student and student to teacher). Often impromptu conversations can lead to improvements to technique, or new techniques altogether (pretty crazy for a sport that has its roots in the 1800s)! Martial arts are a neutral landscape that values merit over age. It is a common occurrence for a class full of adults in their 30s to be led by youth instructors in their mid-teens. A good gym and community will welcome the new perspectives and experiences each member has to offer, regardless of their age.

Another fun example to consider is pop culture and media. As a minor in Interactive Media Studies, and diehard Beatles fan, I’ve heard several times that ‘this medium/band is the decline of society as we know it!’ However, Gentelligence would argue that media is a product of its time, and what resonates in the zeitgeist often results from the newest generation challenging ideals and norms, pushing their respective artforms to new heights. For me, one of the most relevant examples is Professional Wrestling. When World Wrestling Entertainment (then WWF) was arguably at its peak popularity, there was a faction of wrestlers known as “D-Generation X (or DX for short).” A clever play on words, these “degenerate” Gen X-ers would regularly butt heads with older authority figures with antics you would expect from a TV show targeted at angsty teens. Ironically enough, one of the members of DX would get involved with the production and corporate side of WWE. He is often used as an authority figure on TV, abusing his power against the young underdog. Behind the scenes, it could not be further from the truth. The founding member of DX is actually the head of creative for the weekly show and offers tailored advice to each member of WWE’s developmental performance center.

In all honesty, it has been a long time since a book captured my interest, but I could not put Gentelligence down! I am excited to use these concepts to promote stronger bonds with my teammates, and improve our organization as a whole. This book is a must-have for any one looking for a new perspective in their professional and personal development.

Applicable and Relevant

As someone who sits at the lowest rung of the Millennial generation, it’s often quite clear to see how much of a difference there can be between generations. Thus, I really appreciate the content of this book, especially in today’s multi-generational world. This approach has helped me get closer with my younger siblings and older coworkers.

Best Book Available on Generational Diversity

Gentelligence explains why we need to value all five generations in the workplace and how to optimize the strengths that every generation offers.

Megan Gerhardt helps end the generation wars by reminding us that “every generation has something to teach and something to learn.”

Positive and informative

Lots of applicable ideas to help lead a
multi-generational team. Very relatable and great for any industry.