Why older leaders struggle with younger employees

Many times, older leaders failing to connect with younger employees has to do with an empathy problem.

The leader either doesn’t empathize at all, or they are guided by what they’d want or do in the situation. That’s projection, not empathy.

This goes for connecting with anyone different from you.

A simple way to avoid this problem is to ask what they need to feel supported. Give them the dignity of voicing their own thoughts and experience.

The younger employee will feel heard and feel that you care. You’ll also know how to help them from their perspective. That’s a great step toward building a connection.

Try it out and let me know how it goes.