March 27, 2025
What’s happening: On Wednesday, March 26, the Michigan Chamber’s MI ATHENA community tuned in for an insightful conversation on bridging generational gaps and leading multigenerational teams.
Our panelists, Jennifer Goforth with General Motors, Allie Walker with Truscott Rossman, and Joline Davis with JD Strategic Consultants, shared their perspectives and experiences on how to foster connection, communication, and collaboration.
Why it matters: With at least four to five generations working today (including Boomers to Zoomers) representing such a wide range of experiences, work styles and expectations, bridging generational gaps and stereotypes is critical for workplace success.
Top takeaways from the panel:
- People want to be heard: One of the most impactful aspects of leading across generations is active listening.
- When you provide individuals with a platform to share their thoughts and experiences, you strengthen both the individual and the team.
- Take time to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversations and get to know your team beyond their roles.
- Pause and ask for feedback: Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable providing feedback allows for continuous growth and improvement.
- Pay attention to who is speaking and who isn’t. How can you invite everyone into the conversation? Fostering an inclusive environment ensures that every voice is valued.
- Build connections beyond generational labels: We often gravitate toward those who think and act like us, but true team cohesion comes from stepping outside of that comfort zone.
- Encourage your team to connect on a human level based on shared values, interests and experiences rather than just generational identity.
Go deeper: This dissussion left us feeling inspired and better equipped to navigate the complexities of multigenerational leadership. To catch the conversation and gain additional insights, watch the discussion here.