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Feedback and learning play a crucial role in today’s ever-changing business environment. Nevertheless, promoting them within an organization may prove more difficult than previously anticipated. The reason is the US workforce at present comprises four distinct generations. These are the Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z.

Recommended: What Defines the Four Working Generations of Today?

Each of these generations has somewhat of a different approach in the workplace, meaning that feedback and learning may not be as straightforward or uniform. However, it shouldn’t discourage those in leadership positions from implementing them since the benefits will be well worth the effort. A diverse workforce of different ages and mentalities will better resemble the customer base. And with the right mindset and attitude, performance will not be far behind.

Feedback Done Right

For feedback to be useful today, it needs to be an honest, two-way conversation. This is particularly true in a diverse workplace with different mentalities.

Coaching them to better themselves is a great exercise that works wonders. And even though it is millennials and Gen Zers crave the most coaching, you should give it to all your employees, regardless of age.

This coaching shouldn’t be about specific areas of improvement but rather to aid employees with self-reflection. It should help them better understand their abilities and what areas need improvement.

Recommended: Why Employee Coaching Should Be Part of Your Management Strategy

Appreciation is yet another important aspect of feedback done right. Every staff member, regardless of age, wants to receive some degree of recognition for a job well done. This appreciation should come from leaders, but it should also be encouraged between peers.

Exhibiting empathy towards your employees, particularly if they face hard times outside of work, will increase their trust, motivation, and productivity. Don’t forget to tell people how their contribution helps the company’s greater goal. Likewise, ask for their input when making decisions and don’t assume what they want concerning feedback.

Exhibiting empathy towards your employees, particularly if they’re facing some hard times outside of work, will better increase their trust, motivation, and productivity.

Job security plays an equally important role. Offering your employees a competitive pay rate will make them more comfortable and open up to your new initiatives.

Do keep in mind that all generations want their degree of autonomy. It means you shouldn’t micromanage or make them feel like you are always watching them. Feedback should feel more like a conversation where your staff feels comfortable enough to share their ideas and mistakes when these will inevitably happen.

How to Promote Learning Within Your Organization?

The first step in promoting a culture of learning takes place during the hiring process. Look out for those who like to frame challenges as opportunities, as these people stand the highest chance of becoming valuable assets.

You must delegate important work to your employees to promote learning in your organization. Allow them to lead projects, as this will motivate and engage them. Empower them to see the job through and resist the urge to tell them what to do. Let them figure out the best course of action, and when they succeed, don’t forget to recognize their achievement.

On average, millennials and the younger generation will be more inclined to embrace learning on their smartphones. Boomers and Gen Xers, on the other hand, may prefer something more traditional and hands-on, such as classroom training. Try to accommodate all the different learning styles using various technologies, methods, and media.

It’s also a good idea to develop some experimental methods, wherever possible, such as temporary assignments, volunteering at various nonprofits, or assignment shadowing, to name a few. Mentorship programs are not a bad idea either.

Use feedback and learning to build a cohesive workplace

Proper feedback and learning techniques within your company will ensure that the diversity within your organization will not become a problem. They will generate quite the opposite effect and help your organization reach new levels of innovation, engagement, and productivity. For more information on managing different generations in the workplace, let’s connect at https://calendly.com/inscapegreg/blog-appointment or greg@inscapeconsulting.com.

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CONTACT ME

Inscape Consulting Group
Greg Nichvalodoff, BSc. BM (Honors), MBA, PCC, CMC
Office: 604.943.0800
Mobile: 604.831.4734
greg@inscapeconsulting.com