Struggling to connect with your younger colleagues? Feeling like your well-intentioned advice is falling on deaf ears? You’re not alone. Many Singaporeans in their 40s are facing this exact challenge in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. It’s time to re-evaluate how we communicate and build relationships with the younger generation, or risk sounding like a ‘blur sotong’.
Current Workplace Dynamics
- Changing Expectations
Late 20s and early 30s are already full grown adults. Yet you are treating them like kids?
- Singaporean workplace dynamics are shifting. Younger employees value autonomy and respect, not unsolicited advice. They’re often looking for a collaborative environment, not a hierarchical one where seniors dictate solutions.
You need to start showing them that you’re the alpha and not exactly their blud, dawg. It’s delulu to think that you can rizz them with your work aura coz you’ve been failing their vibe check since day one, fr.
- Many Gen Zs prioritize work-life balance and minmaxxing efficiency, sometimes clashing with older generations’ ‘trad grindset’. 65% of Gen Zs in Singapore value flexible work arrangements. Connecting requires understanding their perspectives.
Communication Breakdown Problems
- Unsolicited Advice Backfires
I sense that you are expecting some form of gratitude from the people you are dispensing your “wisdom” to and feel disappointed that you are not receiving it. As a fellow 40s fella I think we are not old enough to get away with being like “lemme give ya some advice ya young whippersnapper”, and imo no one likes unsolicited advice from a person who is not in a position of influence or respect.
- Offering advice without being asked can come across as condescending or intrusive. Younger colleagues might perceive it as you questioning their competence or interfering with their personal choices. Remember the avocado example?
Very forceful, giving directions, sounds like only you know the good deal no one knows, implies they might be penny wise pound foolish by choosing cheaper mexican avocado that can be unripe. Overall Verdict: darned annoying.
- It’s important to recognize that what worked in the past may not resonate with today’s generation. The ‘kiasu’ mentality, while sometimes helpful, can be off-putting if it’s perceived as being overly controlling.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
- Listen and Learn First
If you’re good at something, wait for them to ask for it, not give it out for free.
- Instead of immediately offering advice, focus on active listening. Understand their challenges and perspectives before jumping in with solutions. Build rapport by showing genuine interest in their work and experiences.
No one wants advice shoved down their throat, but generally people enjoy a good loving sharing or a funny story.
- Share personal experiences as stories, not directives. Frame your insights as something that worked for you, rather than telling them what they *should* do. This allows them to draw their own conclusions and feel empowered.
- Wait to be asked for advice. Be approachable and demonstrate your expertise, so they will come to you. Focus on building respect through your actions, not your words. Become the ‘lobang’ they seek out.
