Collaborate and Learn

In sort of a sequel to Michela's last blog, I was thinking about the generation discussion and I believe that having multiple generations in the workplace is very beneficial. It also can be catastrophic if everyone is too stubborn in their own ways but that comes with anything you do. When you have a variety of generations and experience in the workplace you can accomplish so much more. Gen-Y's are obviously considered more "techy" but can sometimes lack in the knowledge of traditional methods that are still being implemented in the company today. Sometimes old fashion methods just work better for certain people/companies, so Gen-Ys should keep that in mind and think of it as a learning experience instead of a waste of time. It works both ways though. The Baby Boomers or Gen-X running the company obviously know whats working but a lot of the times a Gen-Y may notice a way to be more productive and save time, energy, &/or resources. I believe you can never learn too much, even if you consider it useless, outdated, or maybe too advanced, there was or will be a time and place when that information was or will be valuable. Just knowing a little more then, say, a competitor, may give you that edge up you need. And that last point I find extremely important when several Gens are collaborating, the fact that everyone is learning how to communicate. There will never be a time when only ONE generation exists (at least lets hope not). Through out life we are constantly thrown in situations when we have an encounter with with a different generation than ourselves. (clients, shopping, waiters, hotel managers, etc) Already having the experience of working with other generations, knowing their likes, dislikes, interests will benefit you in the long run. So before you pop up your blinders on what the "crazy ipod kids" or "the outdated folks" have to say, try and keep an open mind, you never know what you may pick up.

><(("> Erin Albano

Erin is a ><(("> Team member at Catch Your Limit Consulting, a management and marketing firm with offices in Tallahassee, FL and Richmond, VA. To learn more, visit www.catchyourlimit.com .