As managers lead the multigenerational workforce, being attuned to how members of each generation interact is fundamental to leading collaborative, successful teams. Generational intelligence (GQ), awareness of how different generations work together and how they may clash, is key. Lay the foundation to lead with GQ by understanding generational differences.
Get to Know the Generations
With seven generations coexisting and most now sharing workplaces, there is a full spectrum of knowledge, experience, and preferences. To embrace GQ, leaders must know the members of their workforce and each generation’s influences.
This worker profiles infographic from McCrindle showcases generational preferences, GQ, and qualities they value.
World Economic Forum underscores key events, technological advancements, and more that have influenced generations. These events and developments had profound impacts on the generations who witnessed and lived through them. Experiences like these, especially during formative years, contribute to defining people’s habits, preferences, and worldviews. Understanding these influences is an opportunity to gain GQ.
Generational Intelligence Skill Building
Much like other soft skills, GQ must be intentionally fostered and practiced.
The Institute for Diversity Certification suggests continuous education and research about generations, seeking diverse perspectives, and training to build GQ.
From values to work-life balance, technology adoption, and more, the Society for Human Resource Management outlines common challenges in the multigenerational workforce and ways leaders can bridge generational gaps. Preparing for challenges and creating strategies to overcome them allows leaders to practice by GQ.
Frontline Training Solutions, an Express Employment Professionals company, recently discussed GQ and its significance on the Behind the Frontline podcast. The episode also includes biases toward generations and focusing on strengths to overcome them.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/Employers or ExpressPros.ca/Employers.
Last Updated on April 8, 2026
