EP. 156: How to Lead a Multigenerational Team: Communication and Feedback That Works

Leading a multigenerational workforce requires flexibility, curiosity, and clear communication standards.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson speaks with Priscilla Meyers, a neonatal nurse practitioner, speaker, consultant, and leadership coach at the Healthy Workforce Institute, about leading teams made up of different generations. Priscilla explains how generational experiences can shape communication and feedback preferences, and why leaders should ask questions rather than make assumptions. She shares practical ways to tailor communication, establish boundaries, and provide neutral, behavior-focused feedback while maintaining consistent expectations. Priscilla also discusses why patient safety conversations should follow a standardized approach, how frequent feedback can reduce defensiveness, and why leaders must be willing to ask their teams for feedback too.

Tune in to learn how curiosity, consistency, and clear expectations can help leaders build trust and psychological safety across generations.

About Priscilla Meyers:

Priscilla Meyers, APRN, MSN, NNP-BC, ANLC-N, ACC, is a seasoned healthcare leader, neonatal nurse practitioner, coach, consultant, and speaker with more than 17 years of experience. She is a consultant and leadership coach with the Healthy Workforce Institute and the CEO of Empowered Edge Coaching, where she helps healthcare professionals strengthen communication, build resilience, overcome challenges, and grow as transformational leaders.

Known for her integrity, clear communication, and collaborative leadership style, Priscilla creates environments where every voice is heard and valued. Her work focuses on psychological safety, accountability, workplace equity, professional development, and sustainable leadership practices that improve team performance and patient care. She completed the Advanced Nurse Leader Certification Program through Synova and has received several honors, including the NANN NNP Rising Star Award, the Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award in the Women to Watch category, and the NAPNAP Leadership Award.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Generational experiences can influence how team members communicate, receive feedback, and interact with their leaders.

• Leaders can adapt to individual preferences while still establishing clear communication standards and boundaries for the entire team.

• Communication can be flexible for connection, but patient safety concerns should be addressed immediately through a standardized approach.

• Effective feedback should focus on observable behavior, explain its impact, and end with an agreement about the next step.

• Publicly recognizing respectful communication reinforces psychological safety and shows the entire team what healthy behavior looks like.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with and follow Priscilla Meyers on LinkedIn.

• Follow the Healthy Workforce Institute on LinkedIn and visit their website.

• Email Priscilla at priscilla@healthyworkforceinstitute.com.

• Learn more about the Charge Nurse Program.

• Explore the HWI framework.

• Check out the 33 Scripts Guide to Address Disruptive Behavior here.

• Buy Renee Thompson’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility here.

• Grab a copy of Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! here.

• Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here.

Have a question for Renee?

Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!

Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.

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