The importance of intergenerational translation at work | Dreu Lindsay | TEDxLargo

Dreu Lindsay, a public health leader and educator, argues that workplace tension between generations often comes from communication gaps rather than from generations being unable to work together. Drawing on humor and everyday workplace experiences, the talk looks at how differing communication styles can lead to misunderstanding, conflict and missed opportunities. The central message is that the problem is a translation gap rather than a generation gap. Lindsay suggests that learning to translate instead of judge can change how people work, lead and connect with one another. The talk was given at an independently organized TEDx event.

• Challenges the idea that generations cannot get along at work
• Shows how communication styles can cause misunderstandings and conflict
• Proposes translating across styles instead of judging others
• Focuses on empathy, curiosity and intentional communication

In You Heard Me, But Did You Understand Me?, Dreu Lindsay challenges the idea that different generations simply can't get along at work. Through humor, relatable workplace experiences, and fresh insights, Dreu reveals how communication styles can create misunderstandings, conflict, and missed opportunities. His message is simple but powerful: We don't have a generation gap. We have a translation gap. And when we learn to translate instead of judge, we can transform how we work, lead, and connect with one another. Dreu Lindsay is a public health leader, educator, and advocate whose work centers on helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered. As Project Director of Project LIVE (Living with Intention, Vision, and Empowerment) at The Arc, she supports transition-age youth in building resilience, self-advocacy skills, and meaningful community connections. Her work explores how empathy, curiosity, and intentional communication can help bridge divides between generations and create greater understanding. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx