The workplace is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of age groups. Research shows that Gen Z accounts for roughly 27% of the workforce and, despite limited data on Gen Alpha, projections suggest that by 2035 they are estimated to comprise over 31% of the workforce. This is why learning how to effectively engage and guide participants from different generations is important for any learning and development (L&D) facilitator.
Training facilitation is an art form that requires a balance of skills, especially when catering to audiences spanning multiple generations. Whether you’re conducting in-person, virtual, or hybrid training sessions, understanding the unique characteristics, preferences and communication styles of different generations can build your facilitation skills.
Let’s explore different strategies to become a better facilitator.
- Embrace Diversity: Recognize and appreciate the diversity within your audience. Each generation brings its own set of values, experiences and expectations to the table. Embracing this diversity lays the foundation for creating an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Understand Differences: Take the time to understand the audience’s characteristics you’ll be facilitating. There may be people who appreciate structured sessions with clear objectives, while others may prefer collaborative and interactive learning experiences. You should also expect that some of your attendees can be digital natives who thrive on technology-driven interactions. Tailoring your approach to accommodate these differences is key to keeping them engaged.
- Foster Collaboration: According to a Statista survey in 2019, 72% of Millennials said they value the ability to collaborate with others while taking a course. When you facilitate, make sure to assign group discussions to encourage knowledge sharing among participants. Some may offer valuable insights based on years of experience, while some may contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Adapt to Communication Styles: Tailor your language and delivery to resonate with different people. Some of your learners may prefer more formal language and face-to-face interactions, while others may often prefer concise, informal communication.
- Solicit Feedback: Continuously seek feedback from participants to gauge their engagement and satisfaction levels. Use this to refine your approach and make adjustments as needed. Be open to experimenting with new strategies to better meet the needs of your mixed audience.
- Foster Mutual Respect: Regardless of how diverse your audience is, the rule of thumb is to create a culture of mutual respect. We can have biases and unfair assumptions and more often than not, we get blindsided by them. While it’s important to recognize that there are general characteristics associated with different generations, it’s equally crucial to stop perpetuating stereotypes. As a facilitator, it’s a deliberate action for you to avoid making assumptions based on generational labels. Instead of relying on generalizations, you should approach each individual as just that — an individual with their own experiences, perspectives and preferences.
Facilitators should strive to create inclusive environments where all participants feel valued and respected regardless of their generational background. This means being mindful of language, assumptions and behaviors that may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes.
In summary, becoming an effective facilitator for mixed audiences spanning multiple generations requires a combination of empathy, flexibility and adaptability. By embracing diversity, understanding generational differences and employing tailored strategies, you can create dynamic and inclusive learning environments that resonate with participants of all ages. Remember, the ultimate goal of facilitation is to empower individuals to learn, grow and succeed, regardless of their generational background.
