Disney has come up with a new technology for sensitive human nerves that creates a smooth, tactile motion like someone dragging a finger across your skin. It's for a whole new level of user experience in the theater. Tech change is good, and sometimes "spooky."
Advances in technology have changed our lives so much. I recall being at the New York World's Fair in the early 60s and seeing myself in a storefront monitor as I walked by on the sidewalk. It was video; so different and a bit spooky not knowing how it might impact our lives. Because technology is faster and cheaper today, the workplace has changed. It was different when I was a young Boomer. You could say it was less spooky.
Children had a greater sense of security to play, make new friends and fend for themselves in the neighborhood. Childhood today is far more scheduled and its safety seemingly more threatened at school and near home so that each child has a cell phone for frequent check-ins. The young Boomer world was less connected through technology where as, young workers today are so connected that digital is accepted on the same level as face-to-face communication. Boomers had to go to the office to work because it was the only way to accomplish day-to-day business. The Y Generation wants flexible hours and work space because it is possible, with today's technology.
Change over time and the influence it has on individual values, attitudes and beliefs creates generational differences. These differences stir up conflict among Boomer bosses and Gen Y employees in a multi-generational workplace. Even IT departments report frustration at work with Gen Y. It can get pretty spooky unless something is done about it.
Here are 3 Steps Boomer bosses can take immediately to cut short generational conflict and keep out the spooky of workplace change.
Step #1. Deepen your understanding of generational differences, especially between Boomers and Generation Y. The topic is pretty hot right now so there is an increasing amount of information on the internet and more resources available.
Step #2. Discuss solutions for issues that arise from differences and a changing workforce. These talks should begin at the owner and management levels first. Once you have brought generational differences education to all employees and they begin to validate each others' unique characteristics, let the conversation begin there.
Step #3. Develop a change in mindset that will be necessary for leaders to be more effective at engaging Gen Y employees. It is normal for people to hang on to how things were done in the past and to believe their way is best. Get over it.
And, this action will make you more agile for understanding and welcoming the next generation of workers and their spooky generational differences.
Advances in technology have changed our lives so much. I recall being at the New York World's Fair in the early 60s and seeing myself in a storefront monitor as I walked by on the sidewalk. It was video; so different and a bit spooky not knowing how it might impact our lives. Because technology is faster and cheaper today, the workplace has changed. It was different when I was a young Boomer. You could say it was less spooky.
Children had a greater sense of security to play, make new friends and fend for themselves in the neighborhood. Childhood today is far more scheduled and its safety seemingly more threatened at school and near home so that each child has a cell phone for frequent check-ins. The young Boomer world was less connected through technology where as, young workers today are so connected that digital is accepted on the same level as face-to-face communication. Boomers had to go to the office to work because it was the only way to accomplish day-to-day business. The Y Generation wants flexible hours and work space because it is possible, with today's technology.
Change over time and the influence it has on individual values, attitudes and beliefs creates generational differences. These differences stir up conflict among Boomer bosses and Gen Y employees in a multi-generational workplace. Even IT departments report frustration at work with Gen Y. It can get pretty spooky unless something is done about it.
Here are 3 Steps Boomer bosses can take immediately to cut short generational conflict and keep out the spooky of workplace change.
Step #1. Deepen your understanding of generational differences, especially between Boomers and Generation Y. The topic is pretty hot right now so there is an increasing amount of information on the internet and more resources available.
Step #2. Discuss solutions for issues that arise from differences and a changing workforce. These talks should begin at the owner and management levels first. Once you have brought generational differences education to all employees and they begin to validate each others' unique characteristics, let the conversation begin there.
Step #3. Develop a change in mindset that will be necessary for leaders to be more effective at engaging Gen Y employees. It is normal for people to hang on to how things were done in the past and to believe their way is best. Get over it.
And, this action will make you more agile for understanding and welcoming the next generation of workers and their spooky generational differences.
Bottom Line, the little time it takes to learn about generational differences and share what you learn with your employees has the potential to greatly improve the work environment and the quality and level of employee work.
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