To attract and retain Gen Z and Millennial talent in the workplace, companies need to rethink their approach, taking inspiration from football clubs let's look at FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
These clubs are masters at managing inter-generational talent by fostering a blend of youthful innovation and experienced mentorship, creating an environment where every player, regardless of age, has a unique role and learns from others.
This same model can be applied in workplaces through reverse mentorship, where younger employees bring fresh perspectives and tech-savvy insights to senior colleagues. At the same time, seasoned professionals share institutional knowledge and nuanced problem-solving skills with the younger generation.
Reverse mentorship creates a collaborative and dynamic workplace, empowering younger employees with a sense of value and ownership while giving older employees a fresh lens on industry trends and the digital-first mindset that’s often second nature to Gen Z.
This approach has proven effective not only in the corporate sector but in creative and high-stakes fields like football, where generational diversity on teams enriches the game and develops strategies that resonate with a wider fan base.
For instance, Real Madrid relies on emerging talent like Vinícius Júnior and established stars such as Luka Modrić to bring energy and experience to the pitch, creating a balance that’s vital for success in a high-performing environment. Have you watched Modric play and the presence he brings to the midfield?
By translating this into workplace terms, companies can embrace diverse thinking, support continuous learning, and facilitate an inclusive workplace culture.
Barcelona is known for its unique and innovative approach to football, especially in its ability to attract and develop talent from multiple generations.
The club’s foundation in La Masia, its renowned youth academy, has been pivotal in nurturing young players and integrating them with seasoned professionals. This blend of generations creates a dynamic environment where emerging talents like Pedri and Ansu Fati learn directly from established players such as Marc-André ter Stegen and Frenkie de Jong.
At FC Barcelona, there's an emphasis on mentorship and collaboration that resembles a system of reverse mentorship seen in progressive workplaces. Young players are encouraged to bring their fresh perspectives, creativity, and agility to the team, while more experienced players share their deep understanding of the game, tactical expertise, and professionalism. This synergy not only enhances the club's on-field performance but also fosters loyalty and a strong team culture that appeals to younger players and keeps them committed to the club.
This intergenerational teamwork model creates a sense of continuity and belonging, making the club a standout in terms of career development for players. Barcelona’s approach has seen significant success, producing world-class talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta, who themselves became mentors for the next generation, setting the bar for professionalism and leadership likewise Madrid with all the champion league title that make them stand out.
When did you hear football managers complain about their GenZ talent at work? I bet they might be on to something
How Generational inclusive is your team?
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