The classic song, “Cheek to Cheek,” was written by Irving Berlin for the Fred Astaire/ Ginger Rodgers movie, Top Hat, in 1935. Last night at the Grammys it was performed to a standing ovation by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Tony Bennett is 88 years old. Lady Gaga is 28.
This works because they have a passion in common. It works because they respect each other and focus on the good they can do together rather than their differences. Sixty years, a conservative dark suit and an elegant, flamboyant dress all add to the magic of the performance.
The noise about generational differences at work seems to have quieted down. The topic’s shelf life has expired as the hot one for professional journal articles and conference speakers. The hand-off is well underway. Regardless of generation, there is important learning and growth in the process.
Some businesses get it and some don’t. Facebook gets it as reflected in these two operating principles according to Ekaterina Walter in her book, “Think Like Zuck: The Five Business Secrets of Facebook’s Improbably Brilliant CEO Mark Zuckerberg.”
- “You are recognized and respected based on your contributions to the improvement of the product; your résumé or your age doesn’t matter.”
- “Offer your employees a nontraditional career path that is based on their contributions and value-based behaviors and not on their age or credentials.”
There is a tendency to fear that which is different or not understood. That is true with generations, cultures and ethnicities. That fear or discomfort manifests in comments that start with “They.” Leaders see others as individuals and make it easier for individual passion and talent to contribute to the team and the vision.
There is much to be learned from others both deliberately and unexpectedly. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.
