As a Gen Xer who has seen her share of changes in her lifetime I love the direction in which so many things are going. Empathy, curiosity, inclusivity, acceptance... all great things. And I LOVED Ted Lasso!! "Believe"
Love this! Appreciate you naming curiosity as a millennial trait in leadership roles that often isn't present in older generations. I've found it a real struggle at times working with other leaders who are older than me, when I try to show up with curiosity it's seen as a weakness that I'm not being 'decisive' or that I'm trying to second guess or undermine their decisions. I think that difference has resulted in some of the intergenerational friction that can exist in the workplace and can leave millennials feeling bitter that the curiosity is one-sided.
AJ, your struggle with managers/leaders from older generations is real! And so tough to experience. I agree it causes inter-generational friction, it’s an invisible challenge only seen by those who have eyes to see — those like you! Your passion for paving the way is so commendable and so needed. TY for being who you are and sharing that with the world.
Hey John - elder millennial here, and I just wanted to say, I'm sure those you've led have seen you like that. In my career I've met and worked with a number of boomers who are curious, empathetic and humble, and I always notice them because they're unfortunately not the norm. Not because they don't have or want those characteristics, but as the author says, because that wasn't the leadership style encouraged or rewarded when they were coming up. All that to say, it is genuinely exciting to meet likeminded boomers in leadership positions - it's like finding allys and co-conspirators in shaping a new future for work and leadership. So keep it up - your younger colleagues probably hold you on a pedestal as a result!
Thank you for this AJ. My first “leadership role” was as a babysitter, and later, as a rescue EMS captain, my focus was always on looking out for my people. It means a lot to hear that those values resonate across generations. Here’s to building a future where empathy and humility are the norms in leadership, not the exceptions.
John, thanks for your insight on your own gen identification. What I can’t always add to my posts is that forward-thinking individuals typically create a transition to the coming shifts… and it’s very likely you’re in that kind of position. Your articles reveal that value the personal development of those you interact with — which is a very “Ted Lasso” attribute!
I think of generations as blending when speaking on a personal level. My post on Star Wars is an opportunity to introduce this perspective.
The formulation of generational theory happens in a larger cultural context. But for us as individuals to make sense of it, the lines need to blur. Hope that’s sparked some more thoughts for you. Best!
Love Ted Lasso!! Thank you for this insightful piece and loving reminder to lean into curiosity & Believe😉 💖
As a Gen Xer who has seen her share of changes in her lifetime I love the direction in which so many things are going. Empathy, curiosity, inclusivity, acceptance... all great things. And I LOVED Ted Lasso!! "Believe"
Thanks for sharing! Yes, Gen X is a part of this progression (changing the direction) and it’s cool to see it show up and come together.
Curiosity! Leadership is fluid! two take aways for me, in reading this article. Thanks Mo!
Thanks for sharing the points which meant the most for you, Marie!
Perceiving a fluid way of being is skill that emerging for us all. The world looks different when perceived in motion.
Love this! Appreciate you naming curiosity as a millennial trait in leadership roles that often isn't present in older generations. I've found it a real struggle at times working with other leaders who are older than me, when I try to show up with curiosity it's seen as a weakness that I'm not being 'decisive' or that I'm trying to second guess or undermine their decisions. I think that difference has resulted in some of the intergenerational friction that can exist in the workplace and can leave millennials feeling bitter that the curiosity is one-sided.
AJ, your struggle with managers/leaders from older generations is real! And so tough to experience. I agree it causes inter-generational friction, it’s an invisible challenge only seen by those who have eyes to see — those like you! Your passion for paving the way is so commendable and so needed. TY for being who you are and sharing that with the world.
‘The younger you are, the more likely it is that curiosity has been welcomed and encouraged in your life. It’s a generational shift.’
This has me pondering. I'm sort of an in-between generation but lean boomer.
I so resonated with Ted Lasso and would like to think those I’ve lead would see me a little like him. (maybe less dorky)
Hey John - elder millennial here, and I just wanted to say, I'm sure those you've led have seen you like that. In my career I've met and worked with a number of boomers who are curious, empathetic and humble, and I always notice them because they're unfortunately not the norm. Not because they don't have or want those characteristics, but as the author says, because that wasn't the leadership style encouraged or rewarded when they were coming up. All that to say, it is genuinely exciting to meet likeminded boomers in leadership positions - it's like finding allys and co-conspirators in shaping a new future for work and leadership. So keep it up - your younger colleagues probably hold you on a pedestal as a result!
Thank you for this AJ. My first “leadership role” was as a babysitter, and later, as a rescue EMS captain, my focus was always on looking out for my people. It means a lot to hear that those values resonate across generations. Here’s to building a future where empathy and humility are the norms in leadership, not the exceptions.
Ps. Not sure about ‘pedestal’ but respect yes. And it goes both ways.
John, thanks for your insight on your own gen identification. What I can’t always add to my posts is that forward-thinking individuals typically create a transition to the coming shifts… and it’s very likely you’re in that kind of position. Your articles reveal that value the personal development of those you interact with — which is a very “Ted Lasso” attribute!
I think of generations as blending when speaking on a personal level. My post on Star Wars is an opportunity to introduce this perspective.
The formulation of generational theory happens in a larger cultural context. But for us as individuals to make sense of it, the lines need to blur. Hope that’s sparked some more thoughts for you. Best!