Picture this: You’re playing carpool karaoke with your team, and everyone wants to pick the next song. Your Baby Boomer hygienist is belting out "Don’t Stop Believin’." Your Millennial assistant is lobbying hard for an indie band you’ve never heard of. Your Gen Z receptionist just rolled her eyes and said, "Can we please play something from this decade?"
Here’s the thing: different people have different playlists—and that’s exactly what makes your practice stronger. Stop trying to force everyone to sing the same tune! Instead, create individual playlists that speak their language:
Baby Boomers prefer face-to-face interaction. That group text you sent? They didn’t see it. Walk over and actually talk to them.
Gen X wants freedom to function independently. They’re thinking, "Just tell me what needs doing and get out of my way."
Millennials value meaningful work and feedback. They want to know their work matters, and they want to hear about it—regularly.
Gen Zcraves speed, balance, and transparency. If you’re not being direct with them, they’re already mentally checking out.
Add personality styles on top of generational differences, and you’re not just creating a playlist—you’re conducting a symphony. Your "difficult" team member might just need transparency. That "resistant" person might just prefer face-to-face training over digital modules. When people get the support they need, how they need it, they’ll thrive!
When you know your team, you’ll grow your team. And once you find the right rhythm, your whole practice will be singing in harmony.