30.11.2022 Isabel Hempel 5585

10 tips: Workflow in mixed-age teams

Complex tasks? Creative solutions? Mixed-age teams are best at cracking these. If they get the right stimuli.

10 tips for mixed-age teams from trainer Gaby Hamm-Brink

Let's not kid ourselves: Most studies show that mixed-age collaboration has more negative than positive effects, slows down innovation processes and sometimes creates tough negotiation processes.

This is due to so-called "diversity faultlines " - hypothetical dividing lines - that can form between groups of different generations or ethnic origins. None of us is immune to prejudices that tempt us to think in stereotypes. We prefer to join our own peer group and thus unconsciously exclude others.

However, there are conditions under which mixed-age collaboration works particularly well . And managers can do a lot to achieve this.

There are also numerous studies on this. They show that Mixed-age teams work particularly well when the tasks they are working on are complex and require a variety of ideas and impulses in order to develop creative solutions and implement them together.

Then the perception of age differences melts like butter in the sun. Just like in soccer: team orientation is the basis of success, regardless of whether you are 17 or 36.

How you as a manager can ensure more workflow in the generation mix

1. defuse stereotypes

A consistent information policy regarding the different strengths of the generations creates understanding through knowledge.

2. giving meaning instead of driving

Goals inspire and give meaning. The manager becomes a source of meaning for the team. This motivates and makes collaboration more productive.

3. cultivate team spirit

Teams work better when there is a sense of connection. Team-oriented reward incentives strengthen the feeling of solidarity.

4. culture education

"Earn your leadership every day" is the wise advice of basketball legend Michael Jordan. A good relationship between managers and employees forms the breeding ground for a culture of trust and error.

5. reflect on cooperation

Success is inspiring. Minor mistakes and friction within the team are then easily ignored. Regular reflection on the collaboration provides scope for necessary corrections.

How to optimally integrate older employees

1. job rotation

Taster courses with colleagues whet the appetite for new tasks. This encourages flexibility and commitment.

2. further training

Learning keeps you young: regular further training is a breath of fresh air and should be geared towards experience.

3. consistent age mix

Consistently put together project teams that have a good age mix. This will prevent the formation of homogeneous groups and you will benefit from the knowledge of the generations.

4. desire for technology

Encourage your older employees to use modern communication technology. Make sure that your employees recognize and learn to love the advantages of new communication channels.

5. to increase the wealth of experience

Set your team tasks that clearly show that a wide range of experience has great potential!

Gaby Hamm-Brink is a trainer for organizational development and a systemic business coach at the pme Academy. 

Read more on this topic:

pme is young. Germany is ageing. Does that fit?
Interview: "They were just kids!"
Recipe: Hearty generation mix stew