Build a team that delivers across every age range with APM Learning
In many project teams, there are now four generations working together: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, with Gen Alpha not far behind.
Each generation has faced different challenges, social and technological changes. They may have different values, communication styles and ways of working. This can cause friction and frustration, but project professionals can harness this diversity to unlock value and deliver better outcomes.
To get the best from team members of different age groups, project professionals need to understand how to build trust, cut through generational friction and go beyond the stereotypes.
Explore the Q&A for a taster of APM Learning’s new module on multigenerational working in projects – your practical how-to guide for getting the best from your team.
How do you manage a multigenerational project team?
To manage a multigenerational project team, start by getting to know your team as individuals, not labels or categories. While generational differences exist, they are ultimately less important than getting to know people and finding common ground. Create shared ways of working and be explicit about how you’re all going to communicate on the project. Remember that diversity is a strength: use the diversity of your team to help you understand and empathise with your customers.
How do you communicate across generations on a project?
To communicate effectively across generations on a project, give everyone a voice and actively signal that you respect everyone’s contributions. This creates an environment where more experienced team members are encouraged to share their knowledge and less experienced team members are encouraged to ask questions and share new theory and innovations. Make time to find out how people prefer to communicate without making assumptions. This includes your stakeholders too.
How do you manage a multigenerational project team?
It’s all about relationships and mutual respect. Take time to embed psychological safety so younger team members feel respected and confident enough to share their ideas and receive feedback. Give them credit and recognition when they come up with an idea that’s better than yours! As younger team members are learning, they may have lots of questions, not just about process but also about the big picture and the “why” of the work they’re doing. Be patient – building this trust will pay off in the long run.
Download the free communication checklist
Use the checklist to agree communication preferences, meeting expectations, feedback routes and escalation points with your project team. It is designed to help you make fewer assumptions and create a clearer, more inclusive working rhythm from the start of a project.
Continue learning with APM Learning
Multigenerational working in projects (30 minutes)
The full module gives APM members practical, project-specific guidance on:
- Introduction to multigenerational working in projects
- How to work successfully with age diversity in project teams and stakeholders
- Practical use cases and expert tips for getting the best out of Gen Z, millennials and more