How Leaders Can Support a Multigenerational Team

Over the past few weeks, I've had several conversations about how the workforce is evolving and how challenging it can be to lead across generations. One client leader recently revealed that he's starting to question his impact. He feels out of touch with his Gen Z employees and isn't receiving the feedback he needs to fulfill his leadership role.

He isn't alone. Leading a multigenerational team can be challenging. Each generation brings distinct values, expectations, and communication styles. Leading a team that spans generations requires an understanding of how your team operates and connecting with team members in meaningful ways.

Here are three practical ways leaders can bridge the generational gap and support their multigenerational teams:

1. Learn Communication Preferences

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to communication, so it's essential to have open conversations about how your team prefers to connect. Ask your team members what types of interactions are most comfortable and productive. Some prefer face-to-face conversations or phone calls, while others, especially Gen Z, lean toward instant messaging, texts, or quick emails.

For example, my nieces are Gen Z. Even a short phone call can feel like a big thing to ask. But I almost always get a quick response if I message them via text or a social media app.

Your role as a leader is to learn these preferences and model the best approach based on the context. A brainstorming session might call for a real-time meeting, while quick updates can be sent via Slack, Gchat, or email.

2. Encourage Cross-Generational Mentorship in Both Directions

One powerful tool leaders can use is pairing team members from different generations in traditional and reverse mentorship relationships.

When I was new to my career as an educator, my mentor had more than 25 years of experience. I gained so much from her deep institutional knowledge, and in return, I introduced her to current research, new best practices, and digital apps that helped improve her teaching and better support her students.

When mentorship flows both ways, it builds mutual respect, strengthens relationships, and helps everyone grow.

3. Humanize the Workplace

Regardless of age, most people want to find meaning and purpose in their work. We all want to feel like the hours we spend working matter.

Create opportunities for your multigenerational team members to share their stories—what drives them, what they value, and why they do what they do. Encourage them to reflect on their team contributions and connect to the organization's broader mission and goals. (One way to do this is with a team check-in.)

At its core, bridging generational differences comes down to open communication. When leaders intentionally foster cross-generational understanding, they don't just manage teams—they build stronger, more cohesive teams and workplaces where people want to be.