01 Sep Leadership for Multi-Generational Teams
Al Johnson, a results-driven business leader with Fortune 300 experience and a strong foundation in strategy and execution sits down with Solveig Brown to discuss the keys to leadership for multi-generational teams, effective leadership strategies, and how to influence and inspire teams.
Leadership is Influence, Not Authority
Al defines leadership as the ability to influence, not control. Effective leaders:
- Create a clear vision – Define where the team has been, where it is now, and where it’s going.
- Foster a strong team culture – Set expectations for collaboration, accountability, and success.
- Adapt to change – Leadership requires adjusting strategies based on external factors like remote work and industry shifts.
Successful leadership happens at two levels:
- Macro-Level Leadership: Establishing an organization-wide culture and vision.
- Micro-Level Leadership: Connecting individually with team members to understand their motivations and help them succeed.
Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
With five generations now in the workplace, Al stresses the importance of bridging generational gaps rather than reinforcing differences.
Key Strategies for Multi-Generational Leadership:
- Recognize that core values remain the same – Different generations may express values differently, but they often share common priorities like family, growth, and purpose.
- Adapt communication styles – While Boomers may prefer formal meetings, Gen Z thrives on quick digital interactions.
- Encourage cross-generational collaboration – Pairing employees from different generations fosters learning and innovation.
- Avoid stereotypes – Assume individual differences, not broad generational labels, determine work preferences and motivations.
Example: Work-Life Balance Perception
- Boomers may show commitment by working long hours at the office.
- Millennials and Gen Z value flexibility and remote work but are equally committed to productivity.
Instead of seeing these perspectives as conflicting, strong leaders find common ground and create an environment that values diverse contributions.
The Power of Adaptability in Leadership
Al emphasizes that great leaders adjust their leadership styles based on their teams, industry trends, and external factors like the pandemic.
How Leaders Can Stay Adaptable:
- Stay visible and connected – Remote work requires leaders to be intentional about engagement.
- Flex leadership styles – Different situations demand different approaches, from directive leadership during crises to a more collaborative style for long-term projects.
- Encourage continuous learning – Leaders should remain students of leadership, evolving with industry changes and workplace dynamics.
Al’s Leadership Habits for Success
Al attributes much of his success to two daily habits:
- Reading regularly – He reads a book per week, believing continuous learning broadens leadership skills.
- Managing energy, not just time – He tackles complex tasks in the morning when his focus is strongest and saves routine work for later in the day.
These small but impactful habits contribute to long-term leadership effectiveness.
Final Thoughts: Leadership is About People
Al’s leadership philosophy is best summed up by an African proverb he lives by:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
By focusing on influence over authority, adapting to change, and leading multi-generational teams with understanding, leaders can drive long-term success in today’s evolving workplace.
Recommended Resources
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
- Everyday Ubuntu: Living Better Together, the African Way by Mungi Ngomane
- Unlocking Team Potential | Jolie Haupert
About Al Johnson
Al Johnson is a results-driven business leader with Fortune 300 experience and a strong foundation in strategy and execution. He excels at developing growth plans, optimizing profitability, and leading high-performing teams. With cross-functional expertise and a general management mindset, Al delivers measurable business impact while balancing multiple corporate initiatives.