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State Civil Service webinar offers practical tools to bridge generational gaps in the workplace
Summary
A Louisiana State Civil Service webinar convened a cross-generational panel that emphasized communication, active listening and concrete tactics—such as 'platinum rules,' deliverable-focused goals and explicit feedback—to improve collaboration among employees from different generations.
Christy Atwood, host of a Louisiana State Civil Service Leadership Academy webinar, convened a four-person panel to discuss strategies for multigenerational leadership in state government. Panelists highlighted communication, clear purpose and tailored feedback as consistent tools for workplace cohesion.
Marty, chief of appeals and general counsel with State Civil Service, said early in the conversation that one challenge is young employees personalizing work. "This is your job. This is not who you are," she said, adding that ongoing conversation and understanding have helped overcome that tension. Dr. Dana Laberse, representing Gen X, urged involving younger staff in course design so classes appeal across generations: "You just involve people, and then you make sure that you're getting all sorts of feedback."
Kevin Carter, assistant division administrator for the compensation division at State Civil Service, said change meets resistance when it conflicts with habit and recommended presenting concrete plans that show organizational benefit. "If you don't understand the why, we lose a little interest," he said, arguing that explaining reasoning helps employees prepare and develop. Tara Gallup, facilitation supervisor for instructor-led training, described using team-level agreements and said technology use should be seen as a tool: "We're using these things as benefits... we're using phones for research, email and Teams, not just social media."
Panelists discussed shared workforce values—work-life balance, meaningful work, recognition—and pushed back on generational stereotypes. Kevin called the idea that millennials "don't want to work" a misconception; Tara rejected claims that Gen Zs are inherently "lazy" or "too emotional," framing those traits as different approaches and strengths. Marty also rejected the notion that boomers are uniformly technophobic, noting many embrace online tools.
On practical tactics, panelists recommended: (1) focusing on the deliverable rather than micromanaging the method where possible; (2) soliciting input to build buy-in and letting team members 'own' solutions; (3) using explicit cues about how individuals prefer feedback; and (4) practicing active listening and reflective summarizing so people feel heard. Tara described a 'platinum rules' approach—treating others how they want to be treated—alongside short, documented team guidelines.
Christy Atwood closed by asking attendees to continue cross-mentoring and by posting a Leadership Academy feedback form. The webinar combined workforce data, anecdotes and repeatable practices intended for supervisors and colleagues seeking to improve intergenerational teamwork within State Civil Service.
