The Intergenerational World: Why bridging the divide between old and young is key to a sustainable future

It’s human nature to trust people more who resemble us – people who physically look like us, sound like us and, indeed, remind us of ourselves. But overcoming that deep-seated instinct is the only way we can create teams that are truly diverse and inclusive, and that extends to age too. 

On account of an aging population, multigenerational workforces are more common today than ever before in history, and yet we’re still struggling to figure out how best to leverage the power and potential of a working population that spans generations; how best to bridge that demographic gap.

Bushido, the ancient values of the Samurai, can be our guide. It was originally written as the code of moral principles that the samurai were required to observe, but considered through the lens of our modern world, it can help us to be more responsible, ethical and better leaders.

Bushido has long been enshrined in Japanese culture but is rarely referenced in the West, and I believe it should be. I believe we can use its teachings to intelligently design businesses that can deliver value for the common good of everyone in society.

Bushido teaches us that compassion, respect, honesty, honour, and loyalty can all be practiced in abundance between one person and another, regardless of whether those two humans were born on the same day and in the same year, or several decades apart. 

If we can navigate the multigenerational world and appreciate the power of connection and collaboration between different generational cohorts, we stand to gain an immeasurable amount. A team of different generations is a team of different perspectives, different assets, and different strengths. 

There is unique value—indeed, beauty—in a workforce that is increasingly diverse. It is our duty to leverage this power for the greater good.

Rather than reducing members of a certain generation to a simplistic label – millennial or baby boomer, perhaps – let’s appreciate everyone for the qualities that they bring to the table. Most importantly, perhaps, let’s encourage open communication between people, and particularly between individuals of different ages.

To build a truly sustainable future, we must learn from past mistakes and anticipate and solve the problems of tomorrow. We can do so by engaging and encouraging those who have witnessed change over time, as well as those able to provide a fresh perspective.

The wisdom, maturity, and experience that the oldest members of the workforce possess, coupled with the energy, creativity, and dynamism that the youngest display, may well prove to be far more powerful than we can imagine. 

Particularly as we embark on a future that’s fast paced and frequently disorientating, let’s celebrate this collaboration between new and old, young, and ageing, impulsive and curious, rational, and knowledgeable. 

Finally, let’s all embrace what’s unfamiliar and learn from those who don’t resemble us. Diversity is what helps us grow, what challenges us and what forces us to reach beyond the parameters of our comfort zones. Being a member of a multigenerational workforce is perhaps the greatest development opportunity for any professional anywhere.