Bridging the Generation Gap

by Linda Gravett, Robin Throckmorton

Miscommunication -Employee conflict -Work ethic debates -Loyalty issues -Varying wants and needs -If you are a manager, human resources professional, or business owner, you are faced with these types of issues every day. But why? Because currently, there are five generations in the Radio Babies (born during 1930-1945); Baby Boomers (1946-1964); Generation X (1965-1976); Generation Y (1977-1991); even some Millennials (1991 and later). Each of them has a different perspective, based on their upbringing and daily lives. The key to making encounters between the generations successful is learning to understand the point of view of each generation and respect their differences.The individuals and organizations that do this will be the ones to succeed. This book will show you how.

Authors Gravett and Throckmorton take a dynamic approach to the situation by writing in two distinct voices--as a Baby Boomer and a Gen-Xer--using a "point-counterpoint" approach to identify differences and similarities across generations.They share hands-on experiences, real-life cases, recommended solutions, and ground-breaking research on how members of any generation can better relate to minimize conflict, miscommunication, and wasted energy. You will learn what each generation thinks of the others and how each wishes the others viewed it.Bridging the Generation Gap is filled with strategies and solutions you can implement immediately to help build your own bridge between the generations.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2007

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an average book as it is dated in parts. I read this one to gain some insights and ideas on how to lead my team that spans numerous generations. I have employees nearing retirement and millennials that I want to keep. The authors gave me some refreshers on this topic that I can hopefully employ on the job. Key excerpts below:

- One of the biggest reasons employees leave an organization is their supervisor. This is especially true with Gen Xers.
- In order to help the different generations in the workplace handle this conflict, the recommendation we make to managers is to consider the results rather than the process of reaching those results.
- Generational differences increase an organization's vulnerability to miscommunication, misunderstanding, and unproductive conflict.
- Students of any age won't experience anything but drowsiness if trainers aren't astute enough to balance "telling" and "listening."
- Understand that employees understand that skills, knowledge, and abilities matter. Age is just a number.

[Afan Asad]

Good work

[Merredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a work book club selection, but something I'm interested in anyway. It interested me in the sections about the older generations, but for the newer generations something seemed odd, until I realized it was written in 2007 and did not age well into 2015. The Gen Y and Millenials group seems a bit off on the common year brackets that most people use, but that didn't bother me too much. It even made more sense, as I'm on the cusp and do not identify as Gen X at all. What was outdated was suggestions for people to get to know the younger generation by hanging out on sites they like, such as MySpace. Haha! That's just an example that sticks out, but there were other outdated things that sounded a little condescending. I enjoyed the way the book was set up, especially the real-life examples given throughout. I didn't learn anything new about the interactions between the age groups, but that's probably because I've already been reading and learning about the subject prior to this book. It's a good start out book for people new to the concepts, provided they keep in mind when it was published. I did not finish the last part. The author might consider a new, updated edition.

[Preston Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read on generational issues within the workplace, covering the differences and similarities of core values generally held by each generation of workers, manifestations of these values, and specific tactics that individuals of one generation can use to interact with members of another for mutual benefit.

As a former Latchkey child and borderline Gen X/Gen Y baby, I identify strongly with the values of both generations. I'm admittedly drawn to work environments with similar styles as mine own, not out of conscious age discrimination but lack of desire to force my Gen X values and personal priorities into boxes defined by Baby Boomer and Radio Baby management. I do not consider this a landmark book by any measure, but the case studies and overall recommendations presented within "Bridging the Generation Gap" will surely be insightful to those in large, multi-generational work environments: especially those tasked with managing a broad demographic of workers in U.S. culture.

Overall: 3.5 of 5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the last couple of months, I have been part of a generational conflict for the first time. Thinking back on it, I think this is the first time I have had a Baby Boomer boss, and he does not seem to understand how to manage Generation X and Y. This book gave me some ideas of how to work with him - now I can only hope that the bits I shared with him will at least help him meet me halfway in our relationship. Jury is still out on whether he received the message...

[Charmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Competency-based job description vs. characteristics

2. Gen Y – highly interactive with technology. Expand skill set. Train and provide resources to get recognition. “Unique individuals.”

3. Conflict areas: work ethic. Work-life balance.

4. Relate training to company core values. Explain “why”.

5. All generations want respect.

[Daniel Christiansen]

Wonderful for future managers, current managers, and Human resource people very good book with a really good insight on a lot of different topics from gen-y's al the way back to baby boomers

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.