18 MAGAZINE Anyone can tell the world is quickly changing. It is impossible to ignore the major shifts happening all around us. Some are more desirable than others, but all have an equally strong impact. In 2020 alone, we have seen disruptive political movements, new technologies used in our daily lives, volatile economic trends, and, of course, a pandemic that has forced us to rethink life as we know it. Navigating the current moment is drastically different from what it was less than a year ago. Working from home, for example, was used primarily as a motivational tool or incentive up until recently, but it is now a longer-term reality worldwide. The same can be said of videoconferencing, which may well save us all some time and effort even after the pandemic. These changes existed before COVID-19 but have now been all the more pronounced. They are but a palpable reflection of a major transformative process that has been occurring for some time. This includes gradual changes, less visible in day-to-day life but with a far more profound effect behind the scenes. I am referring here to new generations and their changing outlook. One can say the new generation of young people is like a new generation of computers. Just as new computers come loaded with different chips, different technology, and different processes, today’s youth have been subverting everything about life and work as we know it. This generational shift has pushed new issues to the forefront of social dialogue, including sustainability concerns, environmental impact, work-life balance, and mindfulness regarding gender diversity and inclusion. Our task is to incorporate and actively promote these movements. Of course, these goals can sometimes clash with the ideas of older generations, so a consensus must be reached. Flexibility is indispensable. But in this generational gap also lies the key to the current moment. Generational differences in outlook and vision allow us to incorporate the best aspects of each. Organizations can have a respect for each generation’s ideals, as well as a knowledge of thir fears. And with those considerations, the path forward is clear: Put the changes each generation is asking for into practice. This is our mindset at 3M. We are a global company that is constantly innovating; driving Ximena Auil CEO 3M Cono Sur / Chile Generational differences in outlook and vision allow us to incorporate the best aspects of each. Organizations can have a respect for each generation’s ideals, as well as a knowledge of thir fears