Happy Intergenerational Thanksgiving!!!
For the past several months, I have served on a steering committee for a dinner promoting the commitment to maintaining an environment of civility even when discussing the most controversial topics—or conversing with people with whom you vehemently disagree.
Sounds like a timely event, no?
After the event, we received one piece of feedback that was particularly interesting: the need to diversify the group BY AGE.
Most of the attendees were about my age (give or take ten years), with the exception of one high school student who was invited by his grandfather.
The people at his table agreed that, not only was he well-spoken, but he brought a perspective to the conversation that was unique and illuminating.
There, in real time, these older adults were able to see—and benefit from—intergenerational relationships in action.
The fact that so many people recognized the value his point-of-view brought to the conversation spoke volumes—and reflected the lessons that I, and many of my comrades in the battle against ageism, having been preaching for years now:
INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS BRING VALUE.
In the workplace, that value is QUANTIFIABLE. In communities, it is ENRICHING. In life, it is REWARDING.
In the business world—be it for-profit or non-profit—the term “siloed” is often used to describe a weakness in a corporate culture.
It suggests a lack of cross-departmental communication. A heavy reliance on familiarity when conceiving and advancing new ideas. The absence of multi-disciplinary collaboration.
In short, these “silos” create echo chambers which, in turn, frequently produce confirmation bias, rather than objective feedback.
Not super helpful when it comes to problem-solving, innovating, or examining an issue from different angles.
The movie, “Apollo 13” depicts the real-life events that took place when the spaceship experienced a severe malfunction while on its way to the moon, endangering the lives of the astronauts on board.
To solve the problem, NASA Flight and Mission Operations Director Gene Kranz assembled a multi-disciplinary team of specialists—now known as a “Tiger Team”—to utilize their collective expertise and conceive a way to bring the astronauts home safely.
It worked.
Far too often we seek the company of “our own kind,” because it feels safer or more comfortable. But the fact is we learn—and become—so much more when we venture beyond that.
Over the next several weeks, friends and families across America will join together to celebrate the winter holidays.
We will gather around tables and trees and menorahs and kinaras to enjoy the foods of the season, sing songs, recite blessings, and exchange gifts.
What better time to celebrate the intergenerational relationships in our lives, as well?
To ask questions and really listen to what our younger and older relatives have to say. To share aspirations and memories. To learn from our differences and revel in our similarities. To recreate old traditions and, perhaps, adopt new ones.
So here’s to a very happy holiday season—topped with a generous helping of INTERGENERATIONAL CHEER!