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. Ultimately, most experts agree that an environment that nourishes highly productive relationships between young and old can be established. Barry Layne, president of the oldest career management firm in the United States, Bernard Haldane Associates, says he believes the key to transcending age-related differences is mutual empathy and respect. Respecting people's feelings, time and space is always the right approach to take when working with others. Copyright 1999-2001 MyPrimeTime, All Rights Reserved.