127 – Cross-generational Strategies at Work with Phyllis Weiss Haserot

Phyllis Weiss Haserot is the foremost workplace multi-generational expert speaking with a cross-generational voice. A “uniter,” she seeks to solve the urgent problems and nuances of attracting and retaining clients and employees of different generations, effective multigenerational teams, knowledge transfer, succession planning. Her newest book is “You Can’t Google it! The Compelling Case for Cross-Generational Conversation at Work.” Phyllis is a speaker and blogger on intergenerational relations for Forbes.com, Next Avenue, Legal Executive Institute, LinkedIn Pulse and several others.

Top Takeaways: Cross-generational Strategies at Work with Phyllis Weiss Haserot

Gen X started career thinking working hard would get you promoted
You don’t get ahead just working hard anymore – the world is changing rapidly
Advertising was geared toward the Boomers or the Millennials
Everyone should work as long as they can be productive, but we need role shifts – you can’t be in charge forever
New ideas and people with a different view need to have a louder voice in our business – come from a different perspective/background
Formative influences are how we define a generation
Diversity within the workforce makes a business better
Cross-generational conversations help bridge divisiveness in our organizations
Electronic communication has caused a challenge in communicating directly with people
You Can’t Google It –the digital data on the internet is less important than the conversations people have – developed by surveying and working with 5 generations
10 Skills you can’t practice by Googling are found in the book
- 4 of 10 skills reviewed
  - Relevance – people of all ages worry about staying relevant with the advances in technology – keep learning new skills; have relationship with people of all ages
  - Curiosity – be curious to be a good worker and a good networker – seek out people who are different than you to expand your learning opportunities
  - Transition fluidity – succession plan to not lose the relationships that are already in place – Institutional Knowledge
  - Perspective – try to put yourself in the shoes of someone from another generation – you need to talk to them to learn about them – understanding people don’t have your background/experiences
- Challenge – reach out to 3 different people and talk to them directly (choose different generations)
- Unite the generations at work for greater success for all