When Knowledge Walks Out the Door
What One Leader Learned About Bridging Generations at Work
When Jody, a Plant Administrator at Land O’Lakes, joined one of my webinars, something clicked. We followed up with a conversation—and what she shared has stuck with me ever since.
Her team, like many, is navigating a generational squeeze. They’re hiring new talent. They’re also saying goodbye to longtime employees with decades of experience. And between the two? A growing knowledge gap—and a lot of missed opportunities.
“When I first started here, older workers were so welcoming. They wanted me to succeed. Now they’re retiring—and we’re realizing how much hasn’t been passed on. Twenty-five years of industry knowledge can just walk out the door. It’s heartbreaking. How do we capture that wisdom before it disappears?”
This is what generational inclusion is really about: not just understanding each other—but finding ways to work smarter together.
Why This Matters to Every Leader
Jody is wrestling with the same challenges many leaders face:
How do you motivate and retain younger workers?
How do you transfer institutional knowledge before it disappears?
How do you create a culture where generations collaborate, not collide?
The webinar helped her see how these issues are interconnected. To hold onto institutional wisdom, you also need to engage and grow the next generation of employees—so they’re ready to carry it forward.
Here’s what changed after the webinar:
“I felt free to experiment. I realized different generations are motivated by different things. I tried recognition certificates and real-time feedback—and both worked! One millennial cried when he was recognized. Gen Z’s want to give feedback and receive it. Just having scheduled coffee chats made them feel they belonged.”
That shift—to a more curious, adaptive leadership style—made all the difference.
“As a leader, I feel more creative. Generational inclusion gave me a new lens to try things, to motivate people differently, to test what works on the plant floor. And it’s working.”
What She Needs Now
Jody isn’t done—she’s just getting started.
“What I need now are tools. I want to keep putting generationally intelligent practices into action—like giving people more input on their schedules. Flexibility and autonomy really matter to younger generations, and I want to be smart about how we respond.”
That’s where Generation IQ comes in. I help leaders like Jody stay ahead of workforce trends, make sense of generational differences, and turn that insight into action. Because what people really want at work isn’t all that different—we just approach it in different ways.
“What you provide gives us a way to understand each other. And that’s what human nature is all about. I’m seeing that we all want the same things—we just go after them differently.”
Ready to Lead Smarter Across Generations?
Whether you’re facing turnover, culture challenges, or a growing experience gap, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Let’s talk about how Generation IQ can support your team with smart, actionable strategies—designed for your workplace, your people, and the future you're building together.
With love and appreciation for all,
Mary