Full Description
For the first time in history, eight generations are alive at the same time and four of them are working side by side in today's workplace. Whether in our everyday lives or at work, we're all interacting across multiple generations, and yet bridging the age gap has never been more challenging.
Generational labels, often based on lazy, surface-level stereotypes, can reinforce division and miscommunication: Baby Boomers are out of touch, Millennials are entitled, and Gen Zs are so chronically online they can't talk face to face. But these assumptions don't always reflect reality. If we look beyond the stereotypes and headlines and start with understanding instead of judgement, we can get past this disconnect, communicate more effectively, and appreciate the strengths each generation brings to our workplaces, communities and everyday lives.
In this fascinating and much-needed book, Alastair Greener helps the reader get to know each of the generations, providing relevant cultural touchpoints, astute observations, and a sense of what makes them tick. He then uses these insights, coupled with his own original research, to make sense of how the generations communicate and suggests how best to navigate having multiple generations in the workforce and in our wider society.
Living in a multigenerational world should be seen an asset, not an obstacle, as it means that different perspectives can be brought to the table. Everybody has something to offer as well as something to learn, so let's break down the generational silos and start building bridges.
Contents
Introduction
Section 1: Generational thinking
1. The power of generational thinking
2. Why understanding generational communication matters
3. Framed by generations - not defined by them
Section 2: Understanding the generations
4. Who are the generations?
5. The Silent Generation
6. Baby Boomers
7. Generation X
8. Generation Y (Millennials)
9. Generation Z
10. Generation Alpha
Section 3: How the generations really communicate
11. My generational communication surveys
12. The generations and technology
13. Methods of communication
14. The generations and social media
15. Communications at school and university
16. Introducing Generation Alpha
17. Generations at work 1 - the view from HR
18. Generations at work 2 - what those at work are seeing
19. Patterns or stereotypes?
Section 4: What next?
20. Thriving in a multigenerational workforce
21. Final words
