Casual Thoughts: Teamwork and Generation X-Y-Z…

I see you're new here. Welcome! If you like what you see, learn now about how you can be notified each time we post a new article. Then come back and subscribe for free to CMOE's RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

I was recently shown an article that described a newer “video game” that involved teamwork in order to achieve success. As the “controller,” you are in command of a group of one or more teams. Communication to the team is critical. Sounds simple enough, but the trick is you’re communicating everything remotely to players around the world.

The article and game caused me to think of Generation Y. Throughout this past year I’ve been asked on numerous occasions if companies are experiencing difficulties with teamwork between older employees and younger generation employees. I have heard this from multiple organizations and I am sure that it’s a challenge that won’t go away anytime soon.

It’s always funny to me how certain age groups are categorized by the generic Generation definitions. I myself am on the border line, but more on the Generation X side. I guess it fits me fine. I like to think of myself as much younger in spirit than many in my age group and especially those just a couple years older.

There are those who might feel the younger generation has been raised on video games and have missed out on developing social skills. I’m confident that there is a bit of truth to that, but I also believe they have learned a new form of social skills that many of us have missed out on. Communication and personal interaction, today, often involves the internet or teleconferencing.

Working remotely or tele-commuting is becoming more popular all the time, especially, with rising costs to commute. The reality is face to face interaction may become less prevalent - for good or bad. Those in the workforce who grew up playing these types of video games may have an advantage. The teamwork skills they’ve learned while playing these games may allow them to better utilize technology in their organization or team.

This being said, tele-commuting can also cause a person to feel disassociated with the team. This younger generation may be those who remember our remote employees and teach us how to include and engage them. Ensuring remote employees are involved in meetings, discussions, and decisions will make a team feel more connected and increase overall performance.

 

 Standard Podcast [2:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (316)