Generation Gap – The (probably) non-existent generation gap is a matter of differences in thinking and beliefs among generations. Generation Gap is talked about in every era because it can happen to anyone, every family, and every organization.
Especially if you have to encounter something like this at work, it will have a wide impact on other things, such as teamwork, communication, or driving important matters that require cooperation from many people and parties. What’s more, it may have a deep impact on the minds of those who have to face this, to the point where they can’t work.
This article invites us to read about Generation Gap through the perspective of Mr. Prasan Ingkanan, founder of the Manut Tang Wai page, and Ms. Thitiporn Onsawang or Mr. Sian, Human Resource Development Department, PPT Global Chemical, who share their thinking methods to help us cope with this issue with understanding and happiness.
Review where we really differ.
Mr. Prasan started by asking the question, is the number that tells our age really a problem? Or what exactly is it that makes today’s work different? To answer this question, we may have to ask ourselves what generation we are in order to know where we are in the story.
Then try to review your thinking and work experience. For example, if you are around Gen X or Y, you will be willing to do any job that is assigned to you because you think that gaining work experience will help you become more skilled or have more knowledge about your work.
But modern people see things differently, not because they are lazy or less diligent, but because they grew up in a society that values rights, fairness, and individuality, and also has many ways to develop themselves.
The problem with people of different ages may not be because of numbers, but because of their way of thinking and experiences.
Understand, respect and learn
When we shouldn’t blame “numbers” based on age because it will make our thinking limited, what we should do is try to understand each other more.
From the experience of Ms. Suporn Onsawang or Mr. Sian, Human Resource Development Department from PPT Global Chemical, the executives of the organization are usually Gen X and Y. These people have a lot of energy to work. Meanwhile, Gen C people were born with technology that affects the speed of the new generation, making them want speed in everything, whether it is work or receiving feedback or answers on various matters, including the need to grow quickly.
PPT Global Chemical once made a VDO Clip that was viewed by many people 3 years ago. It was a VDO that reflected the Gen Gap problem found in organizations and the problem that organizations cannot retain the new generation because the organization’s communication speed does not match their age. The content of the VDO conveyed that “understanding, respect, and learning” are the methods of work that should occur in organizations to alleviate this problem.
“Listen” and “No stupid idea”
In practice, it is not easy. The activity that acts as a bridge or a bridge connecting all people’s hearts should start with listening first and there must be no word “stupid idea”.
While the older generation likes to advise and wants to explain at length, the younger generation is closed-minded and thinks that this is not the answer. Therefore, organizations should create opportunities for people of all ages to “clarify” their thoughts or reasons through discussions to listen to reasons or find common ground, but not to criticize.
At first, you may feel that “listening” is the rule, but later you will find that this is an important way of working that will create a safe space to work. For example, the GC Next Gen project does not specify the age of the participants. No matter how old you are, you can be a GC Next Gen. You just need to dare to think and present new things to drive or change the organization according to the times. And organize a meeting where executives have only one duty: “listen” and leave the stage to the employees. This results in a lot of positive energy.
Create a safe space, share the difference
The next question is, do we have enough safe spaces to create understanding about differences?
The answer is that many places are trying to do so. For example, the Manut Tang Wai page organized a workshop to discuss how we can communicate with people of other ages, whether they are our children, students or subordinates. Most people found that they joined because they felt safe, which is something they couldn’t say at home.
Some people, as they tell their stories, gradually see themselves more, such as when they used to be able to work and be self-reliant. When they retire and stay home, have children to take care of them, and are ordered to do this and that, they feel a loss of self, a loss of power, and find that they have a lot of ego.
A younger person said that we should not look down on people’s experiences, no matter what age they are, because everyone has different experiences, lives differently, and has different ways of solving problems. Older people see all sides, so they may be afraid and make decisions slowly, while younger people may know less about the world, but dare to decide to take action.
This type of activity helps reflect the image of creating a safe space. Starting from the workshop, it can continue to the home. The stories that will be shared are stories about experiences and being a person, not based on age or generation. Adults can try telling stupid stories. Children will understand that they were also confused when they were the same age, which will help create an emotional connection. It is a way to create a safe space by helping each other adjust little by little. It is better than not changing anything and continually affecting each other.
Admit that we are (different) alike.
You Prasan emphasized that we should start with listening. Since adults like to give advice, what will help reduce the gap is adults listening attentively. Otherwise, it will be interpreted as a general trend that believes that children are not patient and irresponsible.
Although this is true in some ways, if you listen more deeply to some people, you will understand more about how their upbringing has affected their way of thinking and working. For example, if they are not able to finish their work on time, it is not because they are irresponsible, but because they are not sure about something.
While the new generation should believe in experience, some may argue that this experience is old and no longer applicable, which may be true if it is external experience, but the internal experience, the mental experience, must admit that the old generation has been through a lot because they have to meet many people.
Being open-minded, listening and understanding each other is the heart of seeing through the humanity that we have in common, not labeling each other because who we will date is not a matter of Gen, but of that person’s humanity.
Start with the heart, skills come later.
Mr. Xian concluded by saying that it is easy to start with our hearts, open our hearts to accept the beauty of differences, welcome
people who are different from us and see the beauty of those differences, whether it is differences in age, gender, way of thinking or working style. When our hearts are open and ready to learn and practice continuously, skills will follow. Even though today the place we are in may not be a 100% safe place, we will be able to handle the differences with more understanding and be happier than before.
#Happiness is growing #ThaiHealth #LifeTalk #HappyGrowth #Decoding the happiness of working people
You can choose to watch the program in YouTube format at: LIFE TALK HAPPY GROWTH : Generation Gap, a gap that (may) not actually exist.
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