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Daily, if not weekly, I sit down with CEOs, Founders, Entrepreneurs, Owners, and Executives to help clarify high-impact, high-dollar decisions that require strategic insight, management, or financial understanding.

One consistent topic that emerges is management and how to effectively lead large groups of people in the direction set.

Here is one takeaway that, in my opinion, is the secret to success for both the decision-maker and the executor...

Another way to say that is that not every generation places the same kind of value on the same things. You must learn about other generations' "value language" if you ever want their ear.

You may both desire the same outcome, but how you arrive at and communicate what a clear "win" is may look and sound different. Understanding these generational differences isn't just helpful; it's essential for learning how to manage and work effectively with people of all ages.

Each generation asks different questions about work. I'll do my best to summarize each with a question or statement that I believe captures the motive of their work.

By the way, this has been birthed out of 1:1 conversations with people in each represented generation and may need fleshing out over time with tone:

• Boomers (Born 1946-1964): Loyalty and longevity. Many Boomers built their careers around stability, working for the same company for decades. They value hierarchy, experience, and a strong work ethic. Stability and hard work are what matters!

• Gen X (Born 1965-1980): Independence and efficiency. Gen Xers grew up with economic uncertainty, which made them adaptable and self-sufficient. They appreciate direct communication and results-driven work. What matters is how you work, not merely what you do for work.

• Millennials (Born 1981-1996): Purpose and flexibility. Millennials prioritize meaningful work, work-life balance, and professional development. They thrive in collaborative environments and value feedback. Does this work actually matter, and is it making a difference?

• Gen Z (Born 1997-2012): Innovation and fluidity. The first fully digital generation, Gen Z, values authenticity, speed, and career mobility. They expect frequent feedback and prefer non-traditional career paths. Do I matter, and am I making a difference?

Some of you read that list and now understand the frustrations you've had when talking to your parents about specific jobs of interest. You're welcome!

My challenge and encouragement would be to appreciate your differences and humble yourself enough to learn from those who have gone before you.

Here are a few practical ways to manage up or down in your professional career:

• Working with Boomers: Show respect for experience and expertise. Be prepared, communicate professionally, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. They appreciate reliability and long-term thinking.

• Working with Gen X: Get to the point. Be solution-oriented, respect their independence, and don't micromanage them. They value efficiency and straight talk. Highlight solutions, not problems.

• Working with Millennials: Engage in collaboration and feedback. They appreciate transparency and purpose-driven work. If you want their support, connect your ideas to the bigger picture. Help them see how the work of the organization is impacting the World.

• Working with Gen Z: Embrace technology and adaptability. Keep communication clear, concise, and digitally friendly. Be open to innovation and ready to give and receive feedback often. Help them see where their unique gifts come alive in the organization and tell stories of impact.

Instead of getting frustrated by generational differences, try the humble approach and learn from people of other generations.

If you do, I can guarantee you'll build stronger relationships, work smarter, set yourself apart as a leader, and get the most out of yourself and others.

If you lead younger generations, I would encourage you to step into their World and speak their value proposition language.

And as always, at The Yo Pro, we're here to help you navigate your World as you navigate the World. Let us know how we can help!

➞TheYoPoll