Inter-Generational Equity and the Thinking Environment
Generational differences have always existed but today ageism and polarisation, fuelled by social media, is fast gaining a foothold in every area of life. People at both ends of the age spectrum are finding themselves at the sharp end and with concerns about ecological overshoot, rising populism and generations seeming increasingly out of step with each other, the need for empathy, understanding and insight has never been greater. Perhaps most markedly we see its impact in politics where, to quote sociologist Frank Furedi on the 2017 general election, “It is a sure sign that politics is running on empty when generational revenge becomes central to an election campaign.”
In the property market and in the workplace different generations find themselves jostling, competing with and working alongside each other. Millennials at work, keen to prove themselves, feel they are held back by baby-boomers. Those in the 'squeezed middle' are juggling the financial responsibilities of kids in college and elder care. Unable to retire they find themselves alongside others who choose to carry on working. The acute difference in needs, interests and expectations creates real challenges for workplaces and society at large.
Diversity is a Thinking Enhancer
We believe, for organisations and society to flourish, people need to think and work in as diverse a setting as possible. Diversity is a thinking enhancer because it frees the mind of two sorts of limited assumptions:
that the dominant group is superior and so everyone should be (think) like them
that because the dominant group is superior it should have power over the others.
And this is as true for inter-generational diversity as for any
other form of difference. Real diversity is achieved when groups are stripped of both of those assumptions, when differences are celebrated and when power lies in the hands of a truly mixed group.
So we offer a new approach - a dialogic approach based on the Thinking Environment philosophy of author and educator Nancy Kline. Together we test the assumptions we make about the world, ourselves and each other and listen more deeply, to understand more fully, another point of view. In doing so, we create a space for thinking to evolve as assumptions are set aside and connections deepened. The result a shared passion for creating a better future.
Our programmes: These are under development but for now we can offer an inter- generational mentoring programmes and inter-generational focus groups.
1. Inter-generational mentoring programme: We believe mentoring is of highest quality when independent thinking is its focus and it is a true partnership. When Mentoring relationships weaken or fail, it is often because one partner in the mentoring role takes over, doing most of the talking and thinking for their mentoring partner rather than helping them find their own answers and insights. Our approach introduces and maintains the notion of equality as thinkers, regardless of age or the power or hierarchical structures which may exist. Both parties find the sessions deeply rewarding.
The mentoring programmes can be run both as in-house programmes or open programmes to ensure participation for those whose voice and contribution needs to be heard and acknowledged.
2. Inter-generational Focus Groups on key issues that fuel inter-generational polarisation. We offer these as open programmes from which we share lessons with the wider community (via white papers, short videos and podcasts) and as organisational programmes for entities wanting to better understand their stakeholders. The focus groups can be small scale or large multi-stakeholder events.
The fees charged for in-house programmes supplements the cost of running open programmes and enable wider participation.
Above all, our approach is to acknowledge the potential for each unique individual to make a difference in the world regardless of their age and other characteristics about which assumptions are made, and to encourage and empower young people in their aspirations.
About Mitzi Wyman and Fulcrum
A solicitor by background with a training in Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology, Mitzi combines the latest from the worlds of behavioural psychology, the arts and business to bring out the very best in people. She is the Founder of Fulcrum, a leadership network with influence across health, social care, education, the arts and increasingly business. Mitzi has trained extensively with Nancy Kline in the Thinking Environment and is a member of her Time to Think collegiate.
All Fulcrum events offer places for emerging leaders and young people alongside those who are already more established. In doing so it is promoting intergenerational equity as a Fulcrum principle; recognising that we need to engage with and learn from young people who make up tomorrow’s leaders.
We are now open to sponsorship to support people, from across the age spectrum, and from a variety of backgrounds, to participate in our programmes. To learn more about this opportunity or to participate, book a discovery call with Mitzi.
