Most of us understand how to help those of our own age or era share and manage knowledge. Yes, it is challenging to share experience and wisdom across geographical or cultural boundaries, but if we are dealing with our contemporaries, we find it doable.
Managing knowledge across generational boundaries leads to a whole new set of challenges. We learn differently, communicate differently, are motivated differently and collaborate differently. We sometimes make blanket statements, judge each other, make assessments about the boomers, the X-ers, the traditionalists which simply do not help us work together. When it comes right down to it, we confuse the daylights out of each other. This has probably been true for centuries. This is the first time in recent history we have had four generations in the workplace. Therefore right now this is all hitting home.
Cross-generational knowledge sharing takes true consideration and self awareness. What are our own assumptions about the generations before or after ours? Do we find it difficult to teach or train or learn from them? We do not have the luxury of letting this opportunity go, of walking away from the challenge. Knowledge management is not for the faint of heart.
We need to first check our own assumptions. Second, check each other's assumptions. Build some common language. And create opportunities to work through the barriers and attitudes which we allow to separate us. We are aging. New people are coming up through the ranks. Our job is to make what we have built sustainable while allowing and facilitating change for the future. That is how we will not only survive but thrive.
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