What can we do with gaps?
By Dr. Selim Erhan | TLT From the Editor January 2024
When different generations bring their skills together, everyone benefits.
We talk about generation gaps in families, at work and in societies. Do we have a natural gap or are we creating one? Because if there is a gap, a lot of energy and a lot of information disappears into it. Can we make use of what we have to seal the gap if there is one?
Last week I had two meetings back to back that made me think. The first was lunch where I was invited to give a talk. This was a group of older people ranging from 75 to 83 years old. Three were scientists from Argonne National Laboratory, two were retired surgeons and three were retired engineers. The way they approached issues, their brilliant minds and the energy in their thoughts were so inspiring.
Then, over the weekend, I was a moderator on a science panel where 10 students from various high schools from around the country talked about four main topics related to the United Nation’s sustainability goals. Once some guidelines were given, they had taken off! The quality of the presentations and the maturity with which they approached the subjects was so inspiring.
So why should these two groups work apart? Firstly, let’s look at the older generations. As we move on in life, we add responsibilities, which is normal because as we learn more and know more, we are more comfortable handling more tasks. We are not afraid to venture into areas that less experienced people would shy away from. More experience leads to better decision making and better support. We also must remember that more experienced people have much more tolerance, which leads to much healthier communications, much better understanding and a much higher desire to reach win-win situations. As we are mostly focusing on work-related areas, we can think of communication between colleagues, partners and customers and all the benefits from a more experienced approach. But are these more experienced people fast and energetic like younger colleagues? Of course not!
Younger generations are full of energy. They are sharp, quick and are more experienced in newer technology. But new technology must be carefully evaluated because not every invention is so useful. New technology sometimes looks like a different way to do the same thing. So when an older colleague doesn’t seem to embrace a particular new invention, it may not always mean they are slow. It may be that they do not find it necessary or do not have time to switch to it because they have so much on their plate.
If we can create harmony between these groups, we will have a team where all aspects of oncoming tasks can be handled by the appropriate people. In return, while working side by side, there will be a flow of information from the more experienced to the less experienced and a flow of energy and enthusiasm coming from the more energetic group!
So why are we saying things like generation gaps, and even criticizing the other group? Why reference an area where one group is stronger? Obviously, a feeling of superiority creates a momentary satisfaction but is followed by a long period of disconnection. This is very harmful in my mind because it stops the desire to communicate. I once spoke about a very complicated matter that I know from experience, and I know it is not in textbooks. The young family member (it was in the family) totally rejected the idea based on his five minute Google search. I did not say anything except maintained an “okay, that is fine, do what you wish” mindset. It was unproductive of me to step away and get upset, and it was very unproductive of him to not consider that there may be other things that are not on Google. If we get back to a work environment, I am sure there are many examples of wasted knowledge where people say fine and step back. What if instead there was a mindset of “let’s tackle this issue together,” and everyone picks a place where they can utilize their strengths. In my mind projects will move much better and much quicker!
Well, my plane has landed, I have picked up my roller bag, and I am off toward new projects and a new year! Meanwhile, I am giving many thanks to whomever invented the wheel as my bag glides without any effort. One of the oldest inventions, but at least no one says it is old technology. Wishing everyone a happy and productive year!
Dr. Selim Erhan is director of business development for Process Oils Inc. in Trout Valley, Ill. You can reach him at serhan@processoilsinc.com.