Mary L. Erlain's Blog, page 41

Baby Boomers – did you know there are two subsets?

Were you aware that there are two subsets? I wasn’t until I began the research on the book “10 Answer Keys, Communicating with the 5 Generations in the Workplace.” Boomers (1946-1964) Boomers grew up in a time of dramatic social change. It is possible to divide this generation into two subsets. Born prior to 1956: Cuban […]

Strategies for Working with 5 Generations

In this article published in Canada, the 5 Generation phenomenon is alive and well there as well as in the United States. Why should we care about the generational diversity in our workforce? In The Psychology Foundation of Canada and Desjardins Financial Security, Managing to Manage Across Generations at Work, “Research has shown that bridging […]

Lead Others to Communicate Effectively

In this age of noise, more noise and still more noise, perhaps the most confusing and misunderstood “sound” is the sound of silence. Amid the constant barrage of telephone calls, presentations, negotiations and daily chitchat, every once in a while there’s a break in the frenzy. The way you respond to these moments of silence […]

Working with the 5 Generations

From the Forbes website article titled, Working With Five Generations In The Workplace the author draws attention to the core of the book Meredith Bromfield and I co-wrote 10 Answer Keys, Communicating with the 5 Generations in the Workplace. “Getting back to the main issue of five generations at work: what are the implications? You […]

Traditionalists are valued members in our workforce

Traditionalists (born prior to 1945) Also known as Radio Babies, Veterans, or Seniors This generation brings a strong work ethic as they have grown up in the leanest of times and consider work a necessity as well as a privilege. They have earned their own way through their hard work. They are willing to put […]

Commit your goals to paper

Almost every leadership authority talks about the power of written business and personal goals. But why? Aside from the fact that written goals help identify potentially meaningful achievements, why are written goals so helpful? Part of the answer lies in the physical act of writing. Writing crystallizes thought, which motivates action. And, a written goals […]

Generation Z’s in the Workplace

Who? I thought there were only 4 generations in the workplace. Nope, as of 2011 our Gen Z’s have joined us. Generation Z’s (born after 1990) Also known as iGeneration or Nextars Instant gratification Social Open books (little kept private) Communicate in short spurts Crave constant and immediate feedback Digital Natives Affected by 9/11, War […]

10 Answer Keys to Generational Diversity

Each generation will be defined within these areas: Communication – Verbal and Nonverbal Work Ethic and Time Management Conflict Resolution Management and Leadership Communication – Media Technology Buying Styles Marketing and Advertising Values and Vision Passing the Torch Between the times we are born to the becoming adults, we will form powerful core values. These […]

Introduction to the 5 Generations

There is a great generational divide that exists in our culture which began around 2011. This causes confusion, conflict, productivity challenges, customer issues, leadership and management gaps, and overall tension in the workplace and loss in revenue and profitability. How can we manage these gaps and even more importantly, use them to our advantage? Read […]

Millennials in the Workplace

Generation Y’s (1977-1990) Also known as Millennials or Echo Boomers Grew-up similar to Gen X’ers, but with a different parenting style (e.g., timeouts, no spankings, very protective parents) Extremely conscious of global environment Open minded and accepting of differences in race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. Socially conscious Concerned with personal safety Technology dependent Require […]