Dialogue on generational diversity

In June, the Social Safety Programme team organised a dialogue session on generational diversity. The UNESCO Story Circle was used as a tool to facilitate discussion. This question provided inspiration and direction for the discussion: 

How can generational differences unintentionally cause friction or misunderstandings? What are the main factors involved? What friction or misunderstandings have you personally experienced? 

Participants in the dialogue session also reflected on this question: what can the other person do to make you feel involved, respected and valued?

A few recommendations:

• Try to understand the other person’s perspective, for example by asking: why are you saying or doing this?
• Bear in mind that something which is unimportant to you may actually be very valuable to the other person.
• Assume good intentions and acknowledge this, for example by saying: ‘I understand you mean well, but when you say “...”, it comes across to me as “...”’

For staff, the ‘Generations in the Workplace’ training course is available through New Heroes. Highly recommended! 

Upcoming dialogue sessions

The Social Safety Programme team is organising two more dialogue sessions this autumn for students and staff:

• Thursday 8 October, 1.00 – 3.00 pm, on diversity and inclusion
• Tuesday 8 December, 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm, on recognising and preventing violence against women

Do you have any questions or would you like more information? Send an email to socialsafety rug.nl.