Is it possible that ageism—primarily associated with older workers feeling discrimination—might be flipping on its head with younger workers feeling left in the cold? I was recently talking with a college friend who told me, with a whisper, that he’s stopped hiring people under 30 into his professional services firm. “They’re not committed to staying a long time and feel like they’re meant to be billionaires like some of their high-profile peers,” he grumbled.
I told him that Deloitte has shown that when Millennials are matched with a mentor within the company, they are more than twice as likely to stay for five years. I also told him about my experience as a “mentern” at Airbnb (a mentor and intern simultaneously) and how much I learned from younger people in the company. He brightened up and said he’d give young people a second chance.
I’ve been proud to be on the Board of CoGenerate, a non-profit dedicated to bridging generational divides to co-create the future. Marc Freedman, the founder, and co-CEO, will join me and one of my fellow Board members Serena Bian for a workshop dedicated to moving beyond stereotypes.
Society needs a new generational compact, a purpose-led potluck in which we all bring our gifts to the table. I hope you’ll consider joining us for MEA’s weeklong Mastery Workshop on The Magic of CrossGenerational Wisdom (Oct 9-14). Better yet, encourage someone from a different generation to join us.