Coaching a 40-something leader I discovered a significant difference when coaching his Gen X counterpart. My mature friend was focused on achieving his goals; however, he was not as concerned about his work-life balance in comparison to his younger counterpart. That insight informed ways I could engage each.
Further, while the goal they were both pursuing was similar, the path they took was very different. Both were eager to establish a new church or ministry.
With the more seasoned leader I asked more task-oriented, “what” kind of questions:
- What is your goal?
- What is in your way?
- What can you do to expand?
And more relational, “who” kind of questions with the younger planter:
- Who will it reach?
- Who could it miss?
- Who else can you include?
These are broad generalizations, yet subtle differences reveal different approaches to can engage different people from different generations.
For further insight in generational differences, see the following 1-page resources under Generational Differences:
- Generational Characteristics
- Generational Core Values
- Generational Leadership Style Preferences
- Generational Motivation Preferences
- Generational Team Preferences
- Generational Communication Preferences
Thanks for sharing your feedback Steve. With the older guy I focused on his vision and the task in front of him. With the younger guy I focused on the relationships that would be impacted through the vision.
I think you summarized it well in the following statement: “The what questions ask about his approach, his perception, the who questions shift the focus to the person they are trying to reach. Interesting statement on the generations!”
You have something there that I think is worth reflecting on further. Broad generalizations always have limits but in this case, it would be worth testing the theory with people you are coaching over the next couple of weeks. Please circle back again to let me know what you find.
So with the older guy you needed to focus on him (“your goal” “your way”), while with the younger guy you were able to focus on the ministry (“it””) and the subject of the ministry.
The what questions ask about his approach, his perception, the who questions shift the focus to the person they are trying to reach. Interesting statement on the generations!