Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work

by Chris De Santis

Are your colleagues in distinctly different age groups? Are you sometimes baffled or frustrated by their decisions and behaviors? You are not alone.

Since the workplace is made up of multiple generations, you are likely to experience generational friction firsthand. But let’s be these are not problems to fix. They are differences to understand, appreciate, and—ultimately—leverage.

Organizational behavior expert Chris De Santis has studied the literature on parenting, generational research, and the evolving American worker and workplace for decades. This deeply researched book reveals a fresh and easily implemented framework for understanding generational perspectives, explaining when it makes sense to talk about these differences—and when it doesn’t.

In Why I Find You Irritating, you'll learn why organizations need to embrace lopsidedness as a way of reversing the commoditization of talent while still respecting what is unique about each of us. By understanding and appreciating our colleagues, we can reduce friction, increase engagement, and improve both productivity and job satisfaction.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

Reviews

[Rebecca Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat redundant in many sections. Good information but could have been 1/2 the length.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5. I found myself identifying more with the descriptions of Gen X. I especially thought the chapter on performance reviews was insightful. Would have been helpful to read something about younger generations in managerial positions with direct reports of older generations.

[Christen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the author (and do know him personally) - really enjoyed and related to the discussion in the book and appreciated the straightforward and ‘digestible’ style. Excellent read for anyone in Corporate America!

[Louise Brock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great topic and some excellent nuggets of insight. A bit repetitive.

[Kyle Flann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an excellent book for people leaders to read to consider generational trends. Obviously people within generations won’t all fit neatly within the observations outlined but this book does a nice job of outlining some of the major events that occurred during the lives of various generations and how that may impact the behaviors they exhibit in the workplace. Great thought piece.

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I heard DeSantis speak at a conference last summer and his talk was mesmerizing. My colleague and I run a DEI Book Club at work and we picked this as our book for the quarter. I think everyone really enjoyed it and gained a new perspective on their own interactions in the workplace. I found the historical and economic contexts for defining generations to be the most fascinating part of the book. It did get a little repetitive towards the end but overall it’s a quick and interesting read.