We’re offering a session this year at VenueConnect that will focus on the convergence of multiple generations in the workplace and how to effectively motivate and engage the different age groups. This session will be lead by Jack Messenger, vice president of instruction for Dale Carnegie Training.
Dale Carnegie Training is one of the world’s best-known training programs, and we recently asked Ryan M. Akins, regional president, about multi-generational workforces and how leaders can better manage them.
With so many generations and work styles mixing in today’s workplace, what is the best strategy for a manager to follow in order to get everyone moving toward the same goal?
RA: Effective managers appeal to the nobler motives. In other words, if we want to create an environment that keeps employees engaged, we need to create an organizational mission that cuts through generational differences and inspires the team to move in the same direction.
How do you see leadership training evolving over the next five years?
RA: We are going to see the youngest manager-level workforce in history, with the baby-boomers retiring, and the Millennials getting promoted into leadership positions. We are going to see many younger managers leading teams that are older than themselves, which will create a real need for leadership skill development. It’s going to be an exciting time for businesses, full of innovation.
There is always a lot of talk about how the generations are very different; however, let’s flip that. What are some similar traits you see across all three generations and how can leaders capitalize on them?
RA: We may express ourselves in different ways, but at our core, we’re not that much different. Dale Carnegie’s human relations principles are just as effective today as they were 100 years ago, because they tap into every person’s desire to feel important. Showing appreciation, seeing things from the other person’s point of view, admitting when we make mistakes, and letting others save face are all examples of timeless principles that help a leader get maximum productivity from his or her team.
There are a lot of training programs around the world. How does Dale Carnegie Training stand out from the pack?
RA: One factor that sets us apart from other training programs is our trainers themselves. Our trainers go through a 18-24 month certification process that’s ISO accredited, and they have to re-certify annually. That means the trainers working with our clients are the highest quality in the industry and produce measurable performance shifts in Dale Carnegie participants at a faster rate than any other training company. We’ve been helping businesses with employee engagement since Dale Carnegie himself started in 1912. With over nine million Dale Carnegie graduates, we have a tradition of exceeding our clients’ expectations.
“Motivating and Engaging Different Generations” takes places on Monday, August 3, at VenueConnect in Baltimore, Maryland. Registration is still open.
