The Leadership Enigma - 167: The Multigenerational Glue | Rachele Focardi

167: The Multigenerational Glue | Rachele Focardi

08/25/23 • 53 min

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Rachele Focardi is a leading expert on the multi generational workforce, author and LinkedIn Top Voice. One of the main questions in this episode is whether 'purpose' remains the great divide or the great connector post pandemic?
A quick guide to the Generations:
The Silent Generation: Born before 1946
Baby Boomers 1946 - 1964
Gen X: 1965 - 1980
Millennials: 1981 - 1995
Gen Z: 1996 - 2010
A leader who can harness diversity of thought and multi generational working across their workforce will see an enhanced competitive advantage.
Rachele describes Purpose as something that is inherently owned by the younger generations who strive for change and want to experience the workplace as an enabler for positive change. We saw Millennials rise up especially after incidents such as 9/11 and the financial crisis and they drove the debate for change as they had seen their parents struggle with work being a pay check as opposed to a meaningful individual and collective sport. They also took a huge amount of criticism for this rising up and Rachele saw an opportunity to start to study these dynamics.
Resilience is a big cause of generational conflict, the reason being a lack of understanding of the others experiences and the difference in parenting styles we were exposed to. Cultural differences have exacerbated these feelings and Rachele describes the differences between hardship and psychological safety.
Rachele carried out the post pandemic workplace study and discovered that the four main ingredients for people feeling purposeful at work were
1. Helping others
2. Making impact
3. Growing and feeling fulfilled
4. Being recognised and appreciated by your colleagues.
42% of employees feel that the only way for them to feel enabled to experience purpose in their job is to change employers.
To view a copy of the results and its impact on purpose visit: www.xyzatwork.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfocardi/

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Previous Episode

166: Evolving Sustainability | Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell is the CEO of United Renewables, having previously been an investment banker and corporate lawyer. Chris vividly remembers an incident which forced him to reconsider a life that required huge family sacrifices and so he left finance, stepped off the hamster wheel and decided to create a new company as an entrepreneur seeking finance for his idea to make a difference in the world in sustainability. Chris saw a niche in Northern Ireland linked to small wind turbines and a favourable regulatory policy which resulted in him raising £6 million having only expected to raise half a million. Chris built 34 separate wind farm locations and then broke out into different forms of energy too.
Chris explains the climate issue facing the world as 'we are the first generation that is feeling the pain and the last generation that can do anything about it.' Recent world weather phenomena are examples of climate issues that are escalating for us all. Just a small difference in global temperatures (.1%) can create increased frequency of dramatic global events that lead to loss of life. The planet will survive, it's the humans that will struggle.
Chris clearly explains some concrete examples in this episode that will cause you to stop and think! All is not lost, but we are at a point where positive action is non-negotiable. Chris also explains the concept of 'leap frogging' and how he has experienced this in African nations for huge benefits to the local populations.
Sustainability is important to all leaders especially in relation to the purpose of the organisation and Chris outlines a simple step by step plan for leaders to engage with. 42% of Millennials and Generation Z are prepared to sacrifice pay for purpose and also 20% of the same demographic think it is equal, which highlights the important focus point for your workforce and your consumers.
This is a powerful and sobering episode which still focuses on hope and progress, however each and every leader must play a part.
Use Linkedin to connect with Chris Caldwell.
Conversation on Climate is Chris's podcast. Find it on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@conversationsonclimate

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Next Episode

169: Legacy and Leadership | Rupert Jones CBE

Rupert Jones CBE (Commander of the Order of British Empire) is UK Defence's former Standing Joint Force Commander having served and led in many high stakes environments such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Bosnia and Northern Ireland. He was the youngest Major General at the time and was decorated twice for overseas operations. Among other roles, he now works as an advisor to start-ups.
Rupert was always going to embark on a military career as his father served with the Parachute regiment and tragically lost his life during the Falklands War. Rupert was only 13 at the time of his father's death, who posthumously received the Victoria Cross which is the highest award for gallantry.
This episode can best be framed by an article Rupert write for LinkedIn. Today we live in a confused leadership landscape with politicians who are often binary, confrontational, divisive and populist. Outside of politics the trend seems to be towards monochrome and socially constrained leadership. Do we therefore have the leadership culture to thrive given today's geopolitical landscape?
Another interesting question during this episode is why the military begin leadership training so early for those attending the Royal Military College at Sandhurst with the motto 'Serve to Lead.' as opposed to the corporate world which seems to isolate leadership training for the experienced and senior.
Rupert outlines that leaders must lead with resilience, courage and authenticity which is proving very difficult in the current culture and social media age we live in.
Best in class does not mean best leader and the military provides a constant opportunity for leaders to emerge at any level and age.
Rupert outlines the 'readiness culture' within the military with an ability to mobilise within 4 hours notice. That idea of a readiness mindset is necessary for corporates navigating a constant VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) landscape.
Enjoy this episode.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupertthjones/

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