Dear Yogesh,

Having graduated with a degree in Graphic Designing, I got a great job right out of college, working in the marketing department. I've been doing this job for almost a year now. I like the company, the products and creatives we make, and my manager.

I feel our company could do so much more to appeal to people my age. We could be more successful if our CEO expanded his view of the market and used social media better. I hate to be ageist, but our CEO and our head of marketing are my grandparents' age, and they still follow the same old-school techniques.

I don't have a degree in marketing, but I can still see the missed opportunities despite needing to be an expert.
Often, I hear about generational differences, and I worry that if I say something, I'll be seen as a know-it-all. Do you think I should speak up?

Regards,
Poonam

Dear Poonam,

It's hard for me to say. But I suggest ways to help you think about this and make the right decision.

You should start by considering your company's culture, values, and overarching strategy. Does your CEO communicate where the company is going and the goals to help it get there? Is there any mention of innovation or continuous improvement? The values and strategy of the organization can be used to connect any ideas you want to share. You might find some clues to how open senior leadership might be to new ideas there.

If you're interested in marketing, you should speak with your manager. It would be good to develop a relationship with a young counterpart in the marketing department who sees things the same way you do.

The last thing you should do is frame your ideas in compelling terms, depending on whom you are addressing. Any effort you make to learn about people and what matters to them will be helpful. You can check out their social media to find out what interests them and tailor your pitch accordingly. Some people will be interested in market share, others in revenue, while others may be interested in creativity and the company's reputation.

By asking people, "What ideas have you had?" you can weave their ideas into your pitch so it doesn't sound like you are only sharing your own.

Getting people talking will make them believe any ideas you adopt are theirs. This will be a win-win. Start small, with just a few people, and build from there.

I'm a grandparent, so I know firsthand how valuable it is to contact the younger generations. To share your ideas, grow your network, and connect with as many people as possible. Figure out how to relate your thoughts to what interests them. Take your time with the process, and show respect - you never know when something small can lead to significant changes. Above all, be open-minded and don't stress out about results or claim credit for them; the effects of your efforts may astonish you!
Leadership is about having a vision for what is possible and the ability to influence others to see what you see. There are great things in store for you, my friend.

Regards,
Yogesh

Reference Link: The above is an adaptation of a blog written by MADELEINE HOMAN BLANCHARD on July 01, 2023. https://resources.blanchard.com/blanchard-leaderchat/old-people-with-old-ideas-got-you-down-ask-madeleine