Monthly Archives: July 2011

5 Generations at Work is Challenging!

It’s a challenge – working with people of all ages both in my regular training and coaching roles but also in my community volunteer work.  Each age group is really quite different – disconnects and miscommunication happen all the time.  We often don’t even realize that it’s a “generational thing”.  But it actually all makes sense if we take the time to understand & appreciate the differences (and gifts) that each generation brings to the workplace.

All Ages Volunteering at the Red Cross

I’ve had the great opportunity to design and deliver a leadership training course to the American Red Cross, Northern Nevada Chapter both in 2010 and again this year.  Tomorrow night’s materials will be fun – it’s all about how to work with volunteers of all five generations – common for the Red Cross.  Each generation has its own motivations for wanting to work with the Red Cross and each generation brings its own talents, strengths and gifts to their volunteer work.  But for new leaders it can be a stretch to know how to engage and motivate individuals who often are younger or older than themselves. 

A Great Book & Resource

Here is where I would start . . . pick up this brand new book written by a father-daughter team in a lively conversational style.  Generations, INC: From Boomers to Linksters – Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work, 2010, is packed with facts, historical research and practical, concrete suggestions for how to manage and work with each of the five generations.  It’s current and relevant to today’s work world and our families as well.  And it goes beyond just describing the generational differences (although I found that fasinating) to really teaching us as leaders how to bring out the best in this amazing diverse workforce.

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Light at the End of the Tunnel

Have you ever been through a deep dark time?  It’s like going through a long , cold, damp tunnel.  Maybe you can see the light at the end of the tunnel . . . or maybe not.  It makes a difference.  Think about it.  When you can see where you are going you visualize a future, hope.  And your pace, your step picks up because you know where you are going.

On the Bike Trail

Just last weekend Wally “the retired Marine Corp hubby” convinced me to take our mountain bikes out on an old rail road trail up in Susanville, CA.  It was beautiful and not difficult but it did mean going through two 800′  & 400′ deserted earth tunnels.  Cold, dark, gravel under the tires was challenging since we had to walk the bikes and stay together to continue moving forward.  Our focus was on the “light at the end of the tunnel”. It wasn’t much but it gave us a focus and that gave us the momentum and direction to continue. 

Powerful Leaders See the Light

Leaders that have the gift of inspiring others always “see the light at the end of the tunnel”.  They see where the team needs to go and they are able to describe that goal to their team members in language that is meaningful.  Is it easy?  No.  But even if the leader is struggling personally with their own doubts they are able to have faith in the ultimate outcome – that in the chaos of change that possibilities and opportunities will emerge. 

So if you are that leader or that follower in the dark tunnel look up and see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Tell others you see it and then pick up your pace until you’re out in the sunlight.  Then jump back on your bike and pedal like crazy on down the trail to your next adventure!

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Zumba! At Least I’m There

Okay, somehow I got talked into taking a Zumba dance class by my college-age very athletic niece and daughter.  So I’m a reluctant participant although there are lots of people there including several young guys who weren’t doing much better than me.  But I’m willing to give it a try although I warned the girls to not laugh at me ’cause at least I’m there.

I actually work out all the time and have for years (longer than those girls have been alive!).  I do weights, machines and strength classes so I’m pretty good at following the leader.  But this class is a step up – there are no directions from the instructor just lots of moving, bumping and grinding.  It’s the ultimate “Simon Says” game with no “says”.  But the music is great and the crowd is enthusiastic

Doing Something Different

So as I’m bobbing and weaving to the music, I’m thinking that this is good – it’s good to stretch the comfort zone and try something different.  I prefer knowing what to do when but with a little practice I probably can get a few of these steps learned.  I remind myself that encouraging ourselves to stretch and grow is critical for handling the bigger changes in our lives. We need regular practice in adapting to what’s new and perhaps a bit uncomfortable.  Ouch, just stepped on my own toe.

We Don’t Have to Be Perfect

I don’t have to have this Zumba stuff down perfectly.  I’m there with my girls and that’s good enough.  And I’m a big believer in the old saying “Showing up is 80% of success”.  We don’t have to be perfect – and we can’t be even close to perfect when we try something different.  And that’s okay.  So when these girls are collapsing on the floor with laughter, I kindly remind them that “Yes, you too will be my age someday” and  “at least I’m here”!

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Intern Nation

Intern Nation: How to Earn Nothing and Learn Little in the Brave New Economy, by Ross Perlin, 2011.

Just on impulse I picked this book up at Barnes & Noble because my college-age daughter and niece were both starting internships here in Reno in June. In this brand new book, Perlin examines the explosion of the internship phenomena.

He delves into the history of unpaid employment – why young, aspiring people want these experiences and what they are willing to do to have these connections listed on their future resumes. But Perlin also exposes another side of this “contingency labor” – the trend for non-profits and mega companies to replace paid employees with either non-paid interns or minimum wage interns.

The chapter on the Walt Disney Corporation is fascinating. Perlin gives us a lot to think about as we launch these college kids into the real world of work.

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Plan Ahead to Make Your Internship Worthwhile

Yes, an internship can be an excellent experience for both the college student and for the professional, one that takes on the care & feeding of this next generation. But it does take some planning and some care in ensuring that everyone gets something out of this commitment. For the students, I would recommend the following three strategies to ensure it’s a good experience for all.

First, what benefits do you think you will gain in this internship? Will it be skill development, increase of knowledge of an industry or respected references & connections? At the same time, think about what value you can bring to this company to make it worth their time to mentor/train you during your internship. What will make it worthwhile for both of you?

Second, securing an internship is just like doing a job search. You’ll get lots of practice doing that after graduation so practice now when the stakes aren’t quite so high. Learn how to target your desired industries, research opportunities, prepare your resume and then how to “sell” yourself to the hiring person. It’s a great time to practice because most professionals really like college students, especially if they have a few themselves.

Third, treat this job as seriously as if you were being paid the big bucks. Be professional each and every day. You want them to love you and invite you back. Soak up every bit of learning you can – volunteer to attend meetings, take on projects and seek out chances to shadow other people in the office. Keep smiling and building those positive relationships.

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