Appreciating and Working with Other Generations with Lindsey Pollak

Welcome to the Keep What You Earn podcast, where we delve deep into the financial side of business and provide insights for entrepreneurs of all levels. In a recent episode, our host, Shannon, and guest, Lindsey, engaged in a fascinating conversation about appreciating and working with other generations in the workplace. Titled "Appreciating and Working with Other Generations with Lindsey Pollak," the episode shed light on the dynamic interplay of generational differences and the impact they can have on career development, communication, and workplace culture.

The discussion started with Shannon highlighting the prevalent miscommunication occurring across different generations. Lindsey Pollak, a New York Times bestselling author and a leading career and workplace expert, shared her journey and how she transitioned into becoming an expert in generational differences by combining her mentorship experiences from her college years with her understanding of the ever-changing world of work.

Lindsey provided a comprehensive breakdown of the different generations, including Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Generation Z, shedding light on their defining characteristics and birth years. Notably, she introduced the concept of micro-generations, such as Generation Jones and Zennials, emphasizing the nuanced differences that individuals may experience within these broader generational categories.

The conversation then delved into the biases and criticisms that often arise between generations in the workplace. Lindsey highlighted the tendency for each generation to criticize the succeeding one, attributing this behavior to fear and misremembering their own early career experiences. The discussion resonated with many listeners, who often found themselves in similar situations where preconceived notions about different generations influenced their thoughts and actions.

One of the most impactful points raised was the evolving nature of career development, communication, and workplace culture. Lindsey emphasized how differing generational perspectives can manifest in these areas, leading to clashes of expectations and assumptions. Career development was highlighted as an area where generational struggles can arise, with varied perceptions of work ethic, retirement age, and the concept of climbing the career ladder. The impact of technology and changing communication preferences was also underscored, leading to differences in the modes of communication preferred by different generations. Additionally, the conversation drew attention to the evolving nature of workplace culture, with varying beliefs about loyalty, mentorship, and organizational participation.

Lindsey's insight into the challenges posed by these generational differences was poignant. She emphasized the need to challenge assumptions and expectations based on age, highlighting the importance of recognizing the value that individuals from different generations bring to the workplace. The discussion ultimately emphasized the need for open-mindedness and a willingness to appreciate the diverse contributions of each generation.

As the episode concluded, Shannon and Lindsey teased the next installment, where they would delve deeper into practical strategies for managing and working effectively across generations in the workplace. The upcoming episode promises to unravel actionable tips and techniques for navigating generational differences and fostering a harmonious and productive work environment.

In conclusion, the episode provided invaluable insights into the complexities of managing generational differences in the workplace. By shedding light on the biases, struggles, and evolving dynamics inherent in multi-generational teams, Lindsey Pollak's expertise stands as a guiding beacon for businesses and individuals seeking to bridge the gap and harness the collective strengths of diverse generations in the modern workplace.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode as we continue to explore strategies for effective cross-generational management and learn from Lindsey's wealth of experience in navigating the nuances of generational differences in the workplace.

Lindsey Pollak is a New York Times bestselling author and a leading career and workplace
expert. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations thrive in today’s ever- changing, multigenerational world of work.

She is the author of four career and workplace advice books including her latest, Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work. Her speaking audiences and consulting clients have included more than 250 corporations, law firms,
conferences and universities.

For six years she served as an official ambassador for LinkedIn, and her advice and opinions have appeared in such media outlets as The TODAY Show, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and NPR.

Lindsey is a graduate of Yale University and is based in New York City.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseypollak/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindseypollak/ 

Handbook: https://lindseypollak.com/handbook/

What you'll hear in this episode:

03:09 From college RA to career advisor.
07:14 Younger kids are now called gen alpha, micro generations.
09:20 Millennial experience with screens and struggle.
14:48 Fear and insecurity drive feelings of inadequacy.
20:42 Recognize biases, consciously work against them.

If you like this episode, check out:

Mastering Recruitment: Marketing Strategies with Shannon

How My Dad's Advice Shaped My Career and Business Success

Is Hiring Your Family the Right Thing to Do?

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The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.