Generations, Inc.: From Boomers to Linksters--Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work

by Meagan Johnson, Larry Johnson

Now that five different generations are on the job simultaneously--from Traditionals to Generation Y to Millennials--it's important for companies to understand how their people can not only coexist and cooperate, but thrive together as a team. Written by Meagan and Larry Johnson, a father-daughter team of two generational experts, Generations, Inc. offers the perspectives of people of different eras to elicit practical insights on wrestling with generational issues in the workplace. This book provides Baby Boomers and Linksters alike with practical techniques Generations, Inc. includes realistic strategies for relating to your team members’ different views of loyalty, work ethic, and the definition of a job well done--and tips to make those perspectives work together to strengthen your workforce and grow your business.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2010

About the author

MEAGAN JOHNSON is a generational expert and professional speaker

Reviews

[Charmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Acknowledge their experience by asking for advice.

2. Gen Y looking for a sense of belonging and kinship at work.

3. They’re happiest when they are held accountable for the results of their labor but have the freedom to come and go to work rather than logging hours on the clock.

4. Hire slow. Hire tough.

5. Tell Them Why: explain end results. Assets. Roadblocks.
- Follow up to monitor progress.

6. Annual review + weekly/daily feedback.
- Be generous with the praise.

7. A coach’s challenge is to make sure corrective information is not only passed along but received and put to work.
- Tell Gen Y what you want them to do: “In the future, please make sure your documents are filed on time.”

8. They want a boss who is close, caring, and aware, so it makes sense to provide that kind of relationship.
- It does mean that once the standards have been set, you allow some personality to come through.

9. Managing people effectively means making sure they get what they need so they feel a balance between the efforts they put forth and the benefits they derive

10. Reward Winners for their Time.
a. Eagles – go the extra mile with extra mile
b. Sparrows – come to work, do a job, and go home.
c. Turkeys – work late, do very little, go home early, and complain about everything.

[Jennifer FitzPatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that this is written by a father/daughter team with two diverse generational perspectives. Great read with good information on how to be more sensitive to age diversity at work.

[Connor Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned this read for a management book club at work. The initial 3/4 of the book was very helpful in breaking down in detail information for each generation, but it got very monotonous, very quickly. It seemed like every individual in every generation was being generalized into the same cookie-cutter mold. The last chapter and appendices really made it come full circle for me, as it delved into the belief that there is no “one size fits all” approach to managing individuals within the various generations, and gave examples of applying all of the information learned in a very stimulating and relevant fashion.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally read this book - long after giving up my supervisory role. Still intriguing, and something that likely needs updating on a regular basis, as the chapter on the Linksters (Gen Z) is no longer the last one - we have a new generation entering the workforce, and truthfully, I don't really know what their "Title" is

[Melanie Madore · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great book. I just didn't realize it's 15 years old until after I had purchased it. An updated edition would be fantastic!

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

People from different generations look at the world differently. Our personal experience influence our thoughts on just about any subject. Generations, Inc. takes a peek into the differences between a father and a daughter based on their generation. Some generations produced hard-working families while others were lazy. Some want to go above and beyond expectations while others fade into the background.

I always knew that my generation is a key factor in how I think and feel. It was really interested to find out how much your generation influences how you act with bosses and coworkers. I love to learn about why I am the way I am and how that effects me. I would give this book three stars.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meaghan was the speaker at our department meeting last year. She gave an interesting presentation and I had wanted to read this then. But I forgot about it until recently. She and her father make the generations understandable.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful.

[Ali Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info on working with all the different generations

[Brendan Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on the generations from the Traditionalists to the millennials. How to understand the values of each group and co-exist in business and life.