Should a group of executives under the age of 35 decide which retirement pension plan works best for their corporation without seeking advice from employees over the age of 55? Or should the role of youth pastor be chosen without the input of the youth?
These types of questions are asked by those seeking accountability for authority figures, and they are indeed valid to ask.
They are questions that revolve around the concept of Empowerment. Specifically, Intergenerational Empowerment.
Imagine a community where every generation, from the youngest to the oldest, feels empowered to not only contribute their unique gifts and talents, but have a voice in how decisions are made. This is the essence of empowerment in intergenerational relationships, a key element we'll explore today.
Definition: Empowerment in intergenerational communities is the process of enabling individuals of all ages to confidently and effectively participate, contribute, and lead within the community. It involves recognizing the value and agency of each generation through representation and providing them with the support and resources needed to thrive.
As a quick recap, there are five characteristics of intergenerational communities; positive interactions, connectedness, interdependence, accommodation, and empowerment. Having discussed the first three as the relational foundations of intergenerational community, we now turn towards the last two which could be described as inclusive practices of such communities. In this teaching, we will focus on Intergenerational Empowerment.
Empowerment is crucial in intergenerational communities as it fosters a sense of ownership, belonging, and purpose among all generations. It ensures that each person's voice is heard, their contributions are valued, and their potential is maximized. Empowerment creates a culture of respect, cooperation, and innovation, driving the community towards common goals.
This concept is fostered in a community by ensuring that, where possible and practical, there is generational representation in the leadership structure of an organisation, as well as representation on the various teams it is composed of. In a church setting, you would see people of different generational cohorts on the church board, and you would try to have generational diversity in the different ministries that take place. In a corporate setting, ensuring that there is a means for diverse generational voices in decision making (particularly if it involves more of a specific group of ages) and that a functional mix of older and younger are placed together in different operational groups.
For example, consider a workplace where employees of different generations are encouraged to take on leadership roles based on their skills and abilities rather than their age. Younger employees bring fresh perspectives and technological savvy, while older employees offer wisdom and experience. When each generation is empowered to lead in their own way, the organization benefits from a diverse range of ideas and approaches, leading to greater success and growth.
When empowerment is lacking in intergenerational communities, generational divides can deepen, leading to conflicts, misunderstandings, and disengagement. Younger generations may feel undervalued and marginalized, while older generations may feel sidelined and unappreciated. This lack of empowerment can stifle creativity, hinder collaboration, and ultimately weaken the community as a whole.
I am reminded of witnessing the aftermath of what happened when a church leader told his congregation that those over the age of 50 need to, ‘sit down and shut up’ regarding decision making in the community. While the intention was to give more opportunities of leading to the young, the way it was expressed made those who were older feel stripped of authority. This feeling of disempowerment led to a brief split up of the community, which thankfully only lasted a couple of years.
When people don’t feel like they have a voice, it reduces the interdependence and the connectedness that holds the community together.
On the other hand, when empowerment is present, communities thrive. For a community to be an intergenerational one, this characteristic is a non-negotiable factor. In an intergenerational community, each generation feels respected, supported, and valued, leading to increased engagement, productivity, and cohesion.
In terms of value for the organisation, empowered individuals are more likely to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and contribute their unique talents towards the collective good of the community.
So, what are some ways we can build Intergenerational Empowerment in a community?
Again, fostering the previous four characteristics lends greatly to empowerment, as building interdependent relationships and providing room for newcomers and diverse perspectives, makes an environment feel safe. On top of these however, providing opportunities for skill development and leadership training for all ages, as well as recognising and celebrating the contributions of each generation promotes a sense that one is making a difference in their community.
A simple way of doing this is by encouraging collaboration on projects and initiatives that span generations. This increases interdependence, which helps everyone recognise the importance that each member (and therefore each generation) brings to the community. Adding to this, creating intergenerational mentorship programs facilitates knowledge sharing and it ensures that future leadership transitions do not result in a loss of valuable history.
Ensuring that policies and practices are inclusive and supportive of all age groups is a great way to hardwire Intergenerational Empowerment into an organisation’s DNA. Without the validated policies, leadership changes may wash away the great changes gained by making a community a safe place for all generations.
In conclusion, the five characteristics of intergenerational communities—positive interactions, connectedness, interdependence, accommodation, and empowerment—work together to create environments where every generation feels valued, respected, and empowered. By fostering these characteristics, communities can achieve greater unity, understanding, and cooperation across generations.
If you're interested in assessing how well your community embodies these characteristics, consider reaching out for a coaching or consultation session. Through our assessment process, we can help identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, guiding you towards a more inclusive and harmonious intergenerational community.
Remember, the journey towards intergenerational unity begins with understanding and embracing the unique contributions of each generation. Together, let's build communities where every voice is heard, and every generation is valued.
Join us as we continue our journey towards greater unity, understanding, and cooperation across generations.
I’m Dr. Joe Azzopardi, helping you unite the generations.
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