Janus: Looking Back to Look Forward
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Three Key Questions
January is named after the Roman god, Janus. You recognize him because he has two faces: one looking back at the past, and the other looking toward the future. For me, December and January create the Janus season. In December, I look back at the year, take stock, and apply lessons to the new one. I try to answer these three questions:
1. What happened?
2. What does it mean to me?
3. How will I use this information going forward?
What happened in 2020?
In my work as a generational diversity consultant, I’ve often advised that meeting in person, face-to-face, with members of other generations is key to intergenerational teamwork. Synergy comes from interpersonal chemistry, and for that to happen, we must break down barriers and learn to trust our unique skills and insights we bring to work. Real-life interaction is crucial. So in my training and workshops, that’s what we did: face-to-face interaction.
(A pre-COVID-19 workshop)
So, in March, when word came down that there could be very few—if any—in-person gatherings for the foreseeable future, life as I knew it came to a standstill. I could not fathom any other way of helping people. The foundation of my solution to intergenerational disconnect was pulled out from under me.
I was paralyzed.
When asked if I could convert my workshops to a zoom format, my mouth said, “yes,” but my brain said: “no way!” But I looked at was happening around me, and I realized the purpose and content of my offerings stayed the same; Zoom presentations were simply a variation on the theme.
And my fear of all-things-tech? “Suck it up,” came the answer. “Stop playing into the stereotype that Baby Boomers are techno-phobes.”
It was clear to me: If I expect Boomers to accept the innovations of Millennials and Millennials to accept the experience and wisdom of Boomers, I had better take my own advice.
I needed to catch up with the latest technology – and I needed Millennial mentors to help me. With the patience of Job, they did. Fortunately, I have the gift of not taking myself too seriously, so we could all laugh at my mistakes. Meanwhile, I faked it till I made it.
Looking Back
This transition to online training went better than I could have imagined! I learned that crises do present opportunities.
Face-to-face relationships do not have to be in-person. If I showed you transcripts of virtual trainings and in-person trainings, there are moments when you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. The connections made with each other and with the content have been equally powerful.
I found some inner grit, determination, resilience, and trust in the ultimate goodness in the universe that I would not have known otherwise.
I discovered the value in challenging myself in technology. It works out a part of my brain I don’t automatically engage.
Moving Forward
I will continue my quest to become a perennial—the transcending generation of people who, regardless of age, are ever-blooming. Perennials stay current, adapt to new challenges, and find solutions to the world’s problems.
My core strength — building bridges between generations in the workplace – may be needed in ways I can’t imagine next year. Having prevailed when that happened this year, I know I’m up for the challenge.
I will continue to hone my listening skills and look for evolving needs and solutions.
I will challenge myself to be tech-savvy, while not demanding perfection.
I will continue to learn from my Millennial mentors. They have the map to the future and I will be lost without them.
So, the Janus season is upon us. Now it’s your turn.
Looking back: What has happened? What does it mean to you?
Moving forward: How will you use what you have learned?
If you need a listener or a processing partner, connect with me. I'd love to help you think through your intergenerational lessons and goals!