Us vs. Them: Redefining the Multi-Generational Workplace to Inspire Your Employees to Love Your Company, Drive Innovation, and Embrace Change

by Jeff Havens

A SIMPLER, SMARTER WAY TO MANAGE GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE WORKPLACE

Forget complex multi-generation models nobody can use! Discover useful solutions rooted in enduring human psychology Improve communication, productivity, loyalty, career planning, and innovation For all executives, HR pros, talent strategists, and entrepreneurs Millennials. Gen X. Boomers. The “Greatest Generation.” How do you get them all working together? It isn’t nearly as complicated as the “experts” claim. You just need to understand one simple dynamic that’s as old as the human there’s us, and there’s everyone else.

 

Jeff Havens clears away the foolishness so often associated with managing multi-generation workplaces, and gives you a simple, sensible framework for resolving every generational issue you’ll ever face.

 

Havens shows why workplaces have always presented “us vs. them” dynamics based on age and experience, and always will. Then, he offers practical solutions for specific intergenerational issues associated with loyalty, work ethic, innovation, change, and career advancement.

 

Ready to get past stereotypes and promote vibrant collaboration across all generations? Then you’re ready for Us vs. Them.

 

For 30 years, discussions about generational differences at work have grown increasingly complex and frustrating. ”Experts” have identified three, four, now even five distinct workplace generations—each allegedly unique and requiring their own management approach. If you buy all that, then it follows that the more generations you bring aboard, the tougher it is to collaborate productively.

 

But the conventional wisdom is 100% wrong. It isn’t so complicated—or difficult. In Us vs. Them, Jeff Havens offers a simpler, more intuitive model—and most importantly, actionable solutions. Based on his

internationally acclaimed keynote presentation, Us vs. Them will simplify your workplace in ways you didn’t think were possible.

 

Think of two generations, not Older, more experienced workers and their Younger, less experienced counterparts. Suddenly, you can frame generational issues more sensibly—and find simple solutions to problems that once seemed intractable.

 

Us vs. Them addresses the root psychological causes of generational tension at causes based in the hardwired human tendency to see others as “one of us” or as “one of them.” This dynamic has existed forever, and it always will. Once you understand it, you can learn to manage it…and when another “new generation” comes along, you’ll be ready for them, too!

 

Simpler, more effective ways

Motivate employees of all ages Learn from colleagues who think differently from you Inspire more enthusiasm, loyalty, and productivity, especially among new hires Prevent veteran employees from coasting toward retirement Frame

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2015

Reviews

[Ruth Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that explains generational differences, which are much smaller than we think, and how to manage them for everyone to be happy and successful. It’s also funny enough in places to make you laugh out loud.

[Camille Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Today’s multigenerational workforce is not a real issue; it’s a marketing strategy. [...] The Psychology of Marketing to Children identified the tween as a demographic distinct from childhood and adolescence and, therefore, a new market for companies to target. (There’s a good chance, by the way, that the word tween was first used by J.R.R. Tolkien to describe hobbits. In case you, like me, find that kind of thing interesting.)”

I found the whole book quite repetitive, to summarize it in one short sentence I would keep in mind that the more we sort and label people, the more it becomes an issue.

“easier to describe, harder to manage”