Last week, we talked about the importance of dropping our preconceptions about people in generations different from us, and instead, getting curious about how we can learn from them.
Often, we spend time trying to understand and figure out Generation Z. We see that they’re into TikTok and Snapchat and that’s all we really know about them – and we aren’t sure how to connect with them.
When trying to understand people, it’s important to get out of your own head and talk to them.
How do you do it?
You can pick up the phone and call them, or you can schedule a time to talk.
For example, interns (older or younger!) can offer different generational perspectives. Rather than just giving them tasks to do, you can schedule time to talk with them and learn more about their values and worldview.
This is actually what we do with our clients when creating customer personas. We don’t just make assumptions about people. We speak directly with people in those demographics and find out their biggest challenges, desires, and goals.
Rather than making assumptions, we can reach out and speak (and listen) to a person to understand them better and get an idea of what it’s like to walk in their shoes.
Another way to do this is to include cross-generational mentoring within your business. People in both younger and older age groups can both serve as mentors in various capacities. This helps to build collaborative relationships where employees are learning from one another.
By removing the blinders and preconceptions we put on other people, it expands who you are, enriches your life experience, and makes you better at your business or job. Then, each person we meet can become a person we can appreciate, with a unique worldview, instead of an assumption.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please leave a comment below to share!
‘Til next time,
Sandy
