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We all want the same basic things at any age.
THE CONVENTIONAL shorthand for the four generations that now share our nation's workplaces goes something like this: the Silent Generation values hard work, Baby Boomers value loyalty, Gen Xers value work-life balance, and Generation Y (the generation just entering the workforce) values innovation and change. Or in terms of negative stereotypes, the Silents are fossilized, the Boomers are narcissistic, the Gen Xers are slackers, and the Gen Yers are even more narcissistic.
Not so. The generations now of working age value essentially the same things. When you hold the stereotypes up to the light, they don't cast much of a shadow: Everyone wants to trust their supervisors, no one really likes change, we all like feedback, and the number of hours you put in at work depends more on your position than on your age.
Conflict has less to do with age or generational differences than it does with clout-who has it and who wants it. The so-called generation gap is largely the result of miscommunication and misunderstanding, fueled by insecurities and desires for clout.
There is plenty of common ground among the generations. Leaders need to learn how to use that common ground to effectively work with, work for, attract, manage, retain, and develop employees of all generations.
10 Intergenerational Truths
You can manage or work with people from all generations effectively without selling your soul on eBay or...