I haven’t posted for a couple of weeks as I have been finishing writing my latest book.
This is the second book I have written in close collaboration with someone from another generation. The first, ‘Management F/Laws’ was a book I co-authored with Russ Ackoff in 2006 when he was 87 years old. Anyone who has studied organisations and how they work will know Russ’s distinguished work. I was fortunate to work with him on the book and on a mini-lecture tour of the UK.
When the publisher suggested that the book became a ‘dialogue’ between the generations Russ welcomed the idea. Many men his age might have been indignant at the idea that a woman less than half his age take up half the book responding to and, at times, disagreeing with his views. Not Russ. He is a man who is up for lively debate and dialogue. And he is the best kind of mentor – challenging, questioning, interested and interesting, Apart from being a privilege and a lot of fun, it was one of the best learning experiences I have had in a long time. Working with an American man of his generation and wisdom taught me so much about lots of things including about organisations and what is possible (he has done some incredibly inspiring consultancy work in all sorts of contexts)and about really listening to and understanding other perspectives. Russ is very generous with his wisdom and was a fantastic role model of what a mentor can be.
So, when I began to write my latest book about Generation Y (sorry no link available yet) I thought it would be great to repeat the experience of cross-generational collaboration. I asked one of my Gen Y mentors if he would review the book and write the preface. What a humbling experience. Sure he was supportive, generous with his feedback and encouraging. However, he also challenged me hard on some of my thinking, he pointed out my prejudices and made me realise that at times I fell into the very trap that I help my clients not to fall into – one of stereotyping and making assumptions. Agggh! I found myself wondering if Russ had ever flinched as I did sometimes upon hearing my young colleague’s feedback!
One of the reasons I love writing is because it is a chance to really immerse myself in and reflect upon a subject. I am sure that I learned so much more writing these two books because of the presence of Russ and Ed respectively. Apart from that, it was more enjoyable too. Both books are definitely better for having two generations involved.
So, whatever your work, if you are thinking about finding yourself a mentor from another generation – go for it!
Sally
