Module 6 · Adaptability & different people · Lesson 4 of 8

Across generations

Age shapes what feels normal. Curiosity bridges it better than assumptions.

6 min read · Level: Beginner · Free — no account needed to read

The idea

People who grew up at different times often have different norms about work, technology, family, money and respect. Those differences are real — but they are tendencies across many people, not rules about any one person.

Curiosity bridges the gap better than judgement. “What was it like when you started working?” or “How do you use that app?” invites people to share their world rather than defend it.

Why it matters

Workplaces, families and communities mix generations. Adapting across age makes all of them work better.

See it happen

Tahsin, in his twenties, finds his older colleague “slow” because she insists on a meeting for every decision.

The first reaction

He works around her, making decisions by message.

With the idea

He asks why meetings matter to her. She once saw a project fail from misunderstandings over email. They agree on short meetings only for big decisions.

What changed

Understanding her experience turned an annoying habit into a sensible preference.

Easy to get wrong

• Assuming someone’s views from their generation.
• Mocking the norms of another generation instead of understanding them.

Try it now: Norms, not rules

1. Think of someone from a different generation you interact with.
2. Write one difference in norms you have noticed.
3. Write one question that could help you understand it.

Questions to think about

• What norms from your own generation do you take for granted?
• What has someone from another generation taught you?

Your challenge this week

Ask someone from a different generation how something was done in their time.