Jahangir's World Times First Comprehensive Magazine for students/teachers of competitive exams and general readers as well.
JWT’s August issue focuses on Independence and the Youth of Pakistan; for both the Independence day of Pakistan, and the World Youth Day happen to fall in this month. This article has been written in the perspective of the generation gap that has taken place over recent years among the Pakistanis. These lines suggest as to how we can bridge our distance of communication in order to contribute to the nation constructively. A keen and thorough read of this article can benefit us not only in our personal/family/social life, but also in professional life as public servants, bureaucrats, military officials, entrepreneurs, educators, journalists, and legislators etc’.
Firstly, Millennials and the previous generations can develop good working relationships with each other by appreciating each other’s strengths and increasing their level of patience. Millennials are technologically savvy and quick to adapt to change whereas their senior colleagues have years of experience under their belt. Technology and experience are both essential for organisations to survive in the global marketplace and a simple appreciation of this fact alone can bring both parties together. With mutual respect, both parties can be less impatient with each other, willing to listen, and work out disagreements.
SHARE KNOWLEDGE
Secondly, both generations should share the knowledge that empowers them. In the digital era, where information is freely available online, it is a matter of time people catch up to those who are unwilling to share. Individuals who hoard knowledge may not get very far because their focus is on making things difficult for others rather than creating value. Positive behaviours of giving and sharing that help people go farther in their careers and personal lives, win the respect of peers and encourage similar behaviours in others.
Thirdly, bureaucracy should be removed. Given the fact that speed and efficiency is generally preferable to slow and cumbersome processes, supervisors and peers are encouraged to cut the red tape and ease the frustration in their younger employees. The ease of doing things will help the organisation as well.
Fourthly, the method of communication should be relevant to the situation. Senior generations generally feel more comfortable with face-to-face communication, whereas, the Millennials prefer electronic communication. Although, it may not be possible to satisfy everyone’s interests’ it can help + to know which communication mode the other party prefers. If too many meetings are called, the Millennials may become frustrated, and if too many e-mails are exchanged on a certain issue, the senior generations may feel slighted. Therefore, it is important to keep these specific preferences in mind before initiating communication and use the best method for that particular situation.
EMPHASISE VALUE-ADDITION
Lastly, Millennials and their senior colleagues both need to realise that successful organisations reward creating value- addition rather than maintaining the status quo or achieving seniority. Employees helping the organisation save money, building new business or improving processes, have a much better chance at a promotion than those who merely consume resources. Also, by focusing on developing themselves, both parties can attain growth in an organisation rather than at the expense of each other.
In conclusion, when Millennials and their senior colleagues collaborate effectively, they can create spectacular results for the organisation. The trick is to get over preconceived notions about each other and look for ways to collaborate. Through a greater appreciation for each other’s strengths, more patience, better communication, sharing knowledge, lesser bureaucracy, and value-addition, employees can build constructive relationships, enhance commitment, and improve productivity across the board. When this happens, having diversity will be a pleasure!
