“I am so happy! I didn’t know something I am doing in tech can have a direct impact on people’s lives!” exclaimed one of our team members, a Gen-Z, after we went live on a huge project in Nairobi, Kenya. His face beamed with excitement and contentment.
The project was complex! We were deploying a core banking system that we needed to integrate with 6 other major systems including mobile applications. We had many long days and sleepless nights, and a very diverse team in every sense – gender, age, race, geography, culture!
The young man’s statement and expression often comes to mind when I think about generational dynamics in the tech workspace. Just to be clear, this project had a fair share of millennials, Gen Zs, a few Gen Xs and even one baby boomer. Observing the approach of both the Gen Zs and the millennials, it did not escape me that their pursuits were very different.
Gen Zs grew up with smartphones and social media. They are the ultimate digital natives. Research shows that they generally prioritize purpose and meaning in their work while millennials value more work-life balance and exhibit a sense of restlessness when projects seem to keep them at work for long periods of time. Millennials are known for their adaptability and collaborative nature but the focus on stability in life comes through very strongly as a differentiator with the Gen Zs.
So as a Gen X myself, what do we bring to the table? Resilience! Our generation is known for our ability to navigate digital transformation (we are digital migrants). Look at how we pivoted and navigated the COVID-19 pandemic driven changes! Gen X’s play the role of quietly holding organizations together. And for the baby boomer in our team, they brought the needed magic of experience to the table, steadily mentoring others.
Despite the differences in views and approach, everyone in our team had the singular purpose of deploying a successful system for the customer. To succeed in such complex deployments, a collaborative culture across the generations was crucial. The tribe!
Without diverse perspectives and shared common goals across generations, innovative solutions in the tech space would be scarce. It is crucial that the generations work together as a tribe, because different generations bring unique strengths to the table, which fosters an environment for innovation. As the older generations mentor and bring stability, the younger bring fresh perspectives, creating a fabulous learning ecosystem.
Things will continue to evolve as new generations enter the workplace. Generational diversity in technology allows each generation to bring unique perspectives to the table which strengthens the tribe, thus leading to an environment where innovation will thrive.
Looking back on my many years in the tech leadership space, I have invaluable lessons learned from working alongside teams spanning different generations. The fresh ideas and enthusiasm of Gen Z and millennials, the resilience and adaptability of Gen X, and the mentorship and wisdom of baby boomers, all have contributed to the collective success of projects I have been a part of.
Long live tech driven tribes!
— Wambui Mbesa, CEO East Africa
