Growing up, we were taught to be kind and respectful to everyone. When playing with other children, everyone needed to wait patiently for our turn. We were required to take a “siesta” (to rest) during the day, avoiding the “go, go, go” lifestyle, which made you senseless if you were not paying attention.
I remember my mother saying: “you have two ears and one mouth for a reason, listen twice the amount you talk”. And God forbid we interrupted an adult while he/she was taking! We were in big trouble if we did so.
These simple parameters have ruled my life, and have opened doors everywhere, because the human basic norms are the same wherever you. Somehow, they seem to be getting lost wherever I go too, but that is a topic for another day.
As I think of this concept related to our working environment, I came to realize that at the Antlers we live by these very simple rules, and it is shown in the wonderful staff collaboration.
Diversity, inclusion, equity are all hot topic in the media, but it may have diluted the importance of a multigenerational representation in the work force.
At the Antlers we have a very healthy multigenerational mix which makes us incredibly rich. I highlight the collaboration between the young dynamic enthusiasts when a new project is about to start. It’s rewarding to witness the almost reverent listening to the cautionary advice that only maturity can provide based on experience of our “older” crowd.
Whether it is a construction project, how to welcome our guests, clean a room, or address an owner, I love the professional exchange as to how to move forward.
When we have our Thursday’s operations meetings, I love to see those tech savvy staff members who take notes in electronic devices, while setting reminders on their smart watches, syncing in real time their laptops to their phones. All of this while some of us are making absentminded doodling in our yellow notepad where we make similar notes, reminders and such. And some… oh well, missed the point of the conversation as they were adjusting their hearing devices.
Don’t get me wrong, our older group generally sets the standard high for the rest of us. From a healthier lifestyle to a great work ethic, to ways to have fun. They help us move forward and keep engaged because the youngersters join us and encourage us to do so.
Of course, not everything is a bed of roses. Frustrations and misunderstandings happen (especially when determining what a priority is). But when you have a guiding star, the heart in the right place, it all works out at the end.
Is one generation better to work with than another? Absolutely not. It is not the age that makes you younger or older, it is your outlook to life and your willingness to work with others that define you, and at the Antlers we know this best.
I am very grateful for my multigenerational co-workers who embraces me with my archaic ways of filing documents and my still-by-hand daily numerous thank you notes.
