Age Polarization Doesn't Help
Last month we discussed that we can best practice Generational Diversity by first embracing the gifts each generation brings to the table. Once grounded in the affirmation that we are good and have important work to do, we can move into the next phase of discovery: facing Chronocentrism and Age Polarization.
Or as Carl Jung would say, the shadow-side of our generational identity.
Age polarization is part of human nature: we are drawn to people who look like us, and we assume they think like us. We form in-groups, simultaneously casting others into the outgroup. Life is so comfortable in our in-group that we distance ourselves from others.
Chronocentrism is the belief that my generation is superior to those who came before me. We are the best generation living now. Chronocentrism creates constant comparisons and generational competition.
I’ve seen it happen.
In 2018, a group of Millennial women at Quicken Loans hosted a luncheon for an Inforum Affinity Group. They asked me to facilitate a discussion about generational diversity in the workplace. The hosts wanted to approach the conversation in a non-traditional way, and given my background in theatre I was totally on board.
For an icebreaker, everyone stood behind their chairs and faced away from the tables, and I instructed them to simulate their perceived body language of other generations. On signal, everyone turned back around to show images of each other. Laughter ensued—along with some unsettling emotions.
Older gens were displayed as people with their arms crossed, looking down their noses, or arms extended to block access. Younger gens were displayed as people with their faces perpetually focused down at their cell phones.
Thus began the conversation with each generation acknowledging they had been shown a true image of themselves. They owned their part in maintaining polarized work environments by using their cell phones as shields or body-language that shouts condemnation.
I clearly remember one person said, “It really looks like we are afraid of each other.”
Fear of other is what results when we allow the magnetic pull of Chronocentrism, or age polarization to win. Comfortable, maybe. But it sets us up to live under a bigger shadow –
So, how do we confront and resist this Chronocentrism in ourselves?
Admit it exists. Shine a light on it.
Take responsibility for things done or not done because of it.
Make amends to those who may have been directly hurt by this behavior
Commit to building a Gentelligent® work ethic, that includes the perspective of all ages.
And here’s the thing: all of this is easier when you remember that your generational gifts and talents are needed.