Old School Meets New School: Leading Across Generations: In this episode of the Never in Reverse podcast, we explore what it truly takes to lead a multigenerational workforce in today’s manufacturing world. Jeremy Axel and Douglas Cox break down the challenges of uniting boomers, millennials, and Gen Z on the same team, while clearing up the stereotypes that often hold leaders back. Discover why transparent communication, strong mentorship, and consistent knowledge sharing are essential for modern manufacturing leadership. You’ll also learn how documenting tribal knowledge, adapting leadership styles, and building real collaboration across generations can elevate productivity, retention, and team culture. If you’re passionate about leadership, workforce development, or creating a workplace where every generation can thrive, this episode is for you. For detailed show notes, navigate using the timestamps below: (00:00:00) Challenging Generational Stereotypes Debunking myths about boomers, millennials, and Gen Z; the real issue is leadership communication across generations (00:00:32) Podcast Introduction & Episode Theme Hosts introduce themselves, the podcast, and the focus on leading multiple generations in manufacturing. (00:01:20) Gen Z Engagement & Learning Styles Discussing Gen Z's reputation for disengagement, their tech-driven learning, and differences from older generations. (00:02:03) Communication, Vision, and Transparency Importance of clear communication, transparency, and casting a vision that Gen Z can engage with. (00:04:42) Challenges in Information Sharing Difficulties in providing transparency and clear job responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. (00:05:41) Cross-Departmental Alignment Need for roadmaps and better alignment between teams to ensure everyone is informed and connected. (00:06:20) Empowering Gen Z in Manufacturing Integrating Gen Z into a traditional industry, leveraging their skills, and encouraging open communication. (00:08:18) Balancing Vision and Listening Leaders must balance big-picture vision with listening and adapting to team input. (00:08:37) Transparency and Buy-In Across Generations Sharing transformation and vision to avoid resistance and foster unity among age groups. (00:10:06) Flexibility vs. Execution Exploring generational expectations for flexibility, autonomy, and the importance of delivering results. (00:11:24) Trust, Accountability, and Knowledge TransferBuilding trust, ensuring accountability, and the critical need for knowledge transfer in manufacturing. (00:12:56) Mentorship and Self-Directed Learning Role of mentorship, self-learning, and the balance between guidance and independence. (00:14:25) Documenting Tribal Knowledge Importance of documenting processes and knowledge to ensure continuity and clarity. (00:15:12) Choosing the Right Mentors Selecting mentors who enjoy teaching and can effectively transfer skills and knowledge. (00:16:07) Building a Transparent, Data-Driven Culture Creating a culture where information is accessible, organized, and not dependent on individuals. (00:17:06) Consequences of Poor Knowledge Transfer Risks of losing undocumented expertise as older workers retire, and the need for structured mentorship. (00:19:19) Overcoming Resistance to Sharing Knowledge Addressing reluctance among experienced workers to mentor newcomers and fostering teamwork. (00:21:03) Bridging the Generational Gap with Structure Implementing documentation and mentorship to ensure smooth generational transitions. (00:22:10) The Basics and the Need for Clear Documentation Highlighting gaps in basic skills and stressing the need for clear, replicable documentation. (00:23:35) Leadership, Mentorship, and the Right Personality The importance of having leaders and mentors with the right skills and attitudes to bridge generational divides. (00:24:29) Hybrid Procedures and Adapting to Change Developing procedures that work for all generations and preparing for inevitable workforce transitions. ==========FOLLOW US==========YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeverInReverseSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39zLUYtDfBDVkbeLAVuTcIApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/never-in-reverse/id1756324120Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/01bdb6c8-fbc3-47c8-b47f-c1f640360356/never-in-reverse. =================CONNECT WITH US:=================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverinreverse/X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/neverinreverseFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/neverinreverseTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@neverinreverse1?_t=8rbZo6eWaJq&_r=1Website: https://neverinreverse.com/=================💛 Subscribe to our newsletter, read our latest blog post, or apply to be a guest here: https://neverinreverse.com Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe
