The lack of processes and forms and the collective, hyper-personalized environment was too tough a sell. Workers over 40 are attracted to the cushy, anything-goes business environment of the new economy. Boomers read these great profiles in Fast Company and hear about these laid-back cultures, but when it comes to actually working for these fast, cool companies they can't deal with the ambiguity. Allen Weiner, managing director of Communication Development Associates, has found a common denominator among his clients facing generational issues. At the heart of the issue is the academic term known as bullshit.
Baby boomers are often surprised and downright angry at the attitudes and behavior of Xers.
Xers have a low tolerance for the rituals and courtesies that we take for granted. But authors Ron Zemke, Claire Raines and Bob Filipczak conclude that not all generationally diverse workplaces need to end in such discord. Resolution comes when these generational cobwebs are aired out and addressed. Placement is key. Each employee should be treated as an individual, not lumped into a category.