Crossing Generational Strategies at Work

Crossing Generational Strategies at Work

So you are not the younger generation any more but you are not the oldest either so how can you become a better employee in today’s workplace? You have to learn to span generational gaps with generational habits and methods that makes you twice as effective as before. 

Nobody knows for sure which is the best or most efficient way to work but if you bridge workplace generations effectively there is a good chance you not only become a better worker or co-worker but you actually have an opportunity to make new friends and build a network for the future.

Using these techniques are hybrid principles already being used by many employees and are proven to work to a large degree. Set aside your music preferences and focus on different ways to communicate better and do some of the things listed here to do that well. 

Use the phone once in a while and use it for actually talking to another person on the other end. Don’t be shy about what you have to say and give it a chance. Using the phone in lieu of sending text messages or emails is much better and completes communication gaps with less misunderstands. It offers opportunities for either one of you to ask questions.

Working in the age of high technology and instant gratification, time appears to be important. However, you don’t always have to multitask at a rapid pace to get work done. Sometimes it takes more time than expected and don’t be surprised that if you spent more than 5 minutes on a task. Quality is noticed when you do your work and do it right. 

Social media and tweeting has created abbreviated means to communicate complete thoughts or project down to minimum characters allowed. This does not apply to memos or other communication and it would be beneficial if you wrote a more in-depth message when the need arises to be more specific or clear about what you need to be done or what you are doing. An alternative to emails is the telephone but we already covered that. 

In this hurry up world we sometimes forget our common courtesy habits and manner at times. Writing a simple thank you can make a world of difference in your relationships at work. Write one not just for work done or the delivery of a project on time but for routine things as well as we sometimes take it for granted that appreciation is expressed. It’s more appreciated than you might imagine. Take the time to say thank you and let somebody know you care enough to make time for them.

Last be not least it the willingness to work as a team and sacrifice things you may need to do so that someone else can finish their job as well. Helping, mentoring or even training someone else is most beneficial in any workplace setting and pays off in the long run. It may be the strategy that gets you where you want to be. Crossing these generational divides will bring you better communications and in many cases, new friends.