Embracing Individualism to Develop a Cohesive Culture

How do leaders engage traditionalists, baby boomers, Gen Xers, Gen Yers and Gen Zers to become a cohesive work group? How do we encourage their interactions and build an amazing workplace? At Financial Plus Credit Union, we have found that having leaders adapt to and understand individual employees’ needs has been a game changer.

As a Gen Xer leading a human resource and training department, I have realized that despite what you hear these days, not every millennial has poor work habits and not every traditionalist employee is technologically challenged.

Employees, no matter what age they are, are unique individuals who are driven and motivated differently. One assessment we utilize is the CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) questionnaire. This assessment is based on years of research by professionals that conduct Gallup polls on leadership topics. The assessment identifies an employee’s top five strengths out of 34 various attributes. The results of our employees’ assessments, coupled with monthly coaching meetings and individual development plans, allow us to coach employees into jobs where they can thrive and excel.