I find that the effective starting place for blurring the lines between age groups begins within the older generational groups.  In doing so, it has a very positive way by helping them to sharpen the flexibility of their minds in a way that allows them to consider a different perspective for any and all of its value.  Coincidentally I came upon an article written by Sarah Young entitled “6 Techniques to Nurture an Agile Mind”.  Her ideas are very compatible with what I often experience.  She effectively identifies these realities … and I take some paraphrasing liberties:

• The best approach we can take is to adjust our thinking and change how we perceive the world.
• Today is a time for a new way of thinking as in to deal with the changing landscape and can best happen if and when we observe the view through new eyes.
• Ones’ current mind was perfect for a time when change occurred at a comparatively slow rate yet we have been propelled into a new era.
• By the time we have become accustomed to the change, it has moved on again and we are still left behind … scratching our heads.
• It’s easy for us to bury our heads in the sand and think all will be okay if we just ignore the change. It’s confusing and creates anxiety and uncertainty leaving these folks fearful.

So with these things adopted and accepted here are the steps that enable one to create the open and flexible mind a reality.  Shifting ones’ thinking to the present and future will make the focus on ‘how things were done’ become a distant memory and a part of the history books:

1. Acceptance
   The 1^st step … acknowledging that the world is changing which will continue to be the case and the conveyor belt of change will move faster and faster.  Granted change brings uncertainty and with that endless possibilities, new ideas and technology … all translating to opportunities and breakthroughs
2. Mindfulness
   This is the art of bringing your attention and energy to the present moment. When practiced regularly, you can bring your mind to a place where you are so deeply ingrained in your current activity that there is no place for worry about what happened in the past or fear of an imagined future.
3. Getting rid of limiting beliefs
   Realize that every time you say something negative to yourself, like ‘I can’t cope with this change’, or ‘I’m no good with change’, you are making an affirmation to yourself. Say it enough times and it will turn into a belief. Henry Ford said it perfectly. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right!’  It’s our choice as to how we want to face the day and important that we realize that.
4. Expanding your comfort zone
   The majority of us love our comfort zones. They are relaxing, non-confronting and a great place to hide. However, they can also be unfulfilling, boring and may cause us to get left behind or leave us with a feeling that something is missing in our lives. The key is to get comfortable with being slightly uncomfortable.  Once you are comfortable with this concept, start stretching yourself further.  Start to become a change-maker, not a change-hater.
5. Growth mindset
   The growth mindset approach is THE change approach. A growth mindset perceives everything that happens in life, career or business as a learning opportunity. Criticism is viewed as positive feedback, setbacks are a chance to learn new skills and build resilience and new challenges are an opportunity to develop and expand that comfort zone. Effort is the key to build a growth mindset.
6. Emotional intelligence (EI)
   EI is the practice of recognizing(, understanding and controlling your own emotions and recognizing, understanding and empathizing the emotions of others. EI is one of the quickest ways to bring about personal growth and change. Start to focus on becoming more self-aware by first observing your thoughts (with no judgement). Become more aware of thought patterns that may not be serving you and re-frame them into ones that do.

Actually, accomplishing generational cohesiveness is very achievable.  It only takes a desire to want to be a part of a cohesive effort that translates to one’s individual and collective success.  The generational standoff that infiltrates too many companies has no positives … for one person or the organization as a whole.  Allowing one’s experience and maturity to be front and center delivers only good for all.  Are you willing to try?  I suggest you pass this along to any whom you believe might benefit and in doing so you may just have helped your organization, yourself and them.  Welcome to a better work environment!
Mike Dorman

The one who sees their success and advancement at work as ‘mine’ is going to be the same type of employee when it comes to work ethic, effort and cooperation.  However, there is one distinct difference.  This person also accepts and takes on the responsibility of making their success happen.  So what does this mean?  In addition to performing well in their work, the ‘job is mine’ individual devotes effort and time to:

• Letting it be known that they have the desire, willingness and intention of making themselves eligible for advancement by learning and using the necessary skills required
• Getting clarity from ‘the boss’ or HR as to the specific skills that, once mastered, would allow them to be considered for the next higher rung on the ladder
• Determining and taking steps to learn these needed skills … some of which through training willingly provided by the company and some that one may need to learn externally and on their own time and perhaps at their own expense
• Letting it be known to the right people that you are available to fill-in where and when there is a need in another area given you are a fast learner

A dozen years ago, author Jack Canfield wrote a book entitled “The Success Principles”.  The underlying foundational step is that if and when we want something in our life to happen, we must take 100% responsibility for it happening.  In the book he quotes Jim Rohn, a noted business philosopher. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.

As a coach, much of the work we do is to help individuals become ‘unstuck’ in terms of their growth and overall success. The magic key is to support them in their transition to ‘Mine’. Then, the world … their world … has a much greater likelihood to truly become reality. It’s all in the attitude that makes the difference.
Mike Dorman

Having disagreements among co-workers, with a boss or with a company philosophy or goal is normal.  It arises when there are different ideas as to what or how we should be doing something.  Your willingness to address it can offer significant rewards to all involved and the earlier this is done, the smaller the issue remains and major ruptures minimized.  Here are some focus points that, when followed, will bring about the best possible outcome:

1. Your Mindset:
   How do you want to be when addressing the conflict? How do you want to be perceived and heard?  How you present yourself in discussing the issue will have a lot to do with how your words will be received
2. Your Demeanor:
   Granted you’re upset and bothered by the situation and at the same time you want, above all, to be heard for what you have to relate. An angry or frustrated look and overall appearance is going to carry with them a message that can be counter-productive to what you want to achieve.  Stay calm!!
3. Your Focus:
   The right focus of any discussion is the issue … and not the individual. Conflicts often arise because people have different ideas as to how something should be done and each involved person believes their approach is the right one.  Avoid the accusatory words of you do (or did).  Replace them with … “the problems of this approach or this methods is the following …”
4. Your Listening Skill
   You want to be listened to and heard just as the others do. It becomes an exercise in self-management as you set out to demonstrate your ability and willingness to listen and hear … the exact things that you want for yourself when presenting your thoughts.  As listener, your job is to be intent on understanding another’s view and/or ideas rather thinking of your response to what is being said.
5. Your Tone:
   If you want positive reception with positive results, present your viewpoint in a positive manner. Negativity can quickly dissolve into a form of the blaming and once the communication goes there you are trapped in this negative place that will result in stonewalling and defensiveness.
6. Your Determination:
   At the forefront of your mind maintain a determination to do all that it will take to resolve the issue at hand. Being clear in your thoughts, ideas and reasoning.  Be concise in your presentation.  Be open to other’s approaches and above all remain positive and confident in your belief that you will arrive at an agreeable place that allows all involved to move forward in a positive manner.
7. Your Openness to Creative Solutions:
   The more open we can be in terms of the outcome we will derive, the more likely we are to arrive at a resolution that all Entering this arena with a preconceived idea of how it has to be will hamper both the progress and the results.
8. Your acknowledgement and celebration of achievements
   It’s all about moving forward and what reaching this new understanding enables you and other to do in terms of continuing down a positive path. No hesitance to dance around the progress made!
   

Granted … it is often attractive and easier to sweep something aside that’s bothersome as ‘no big deal’ in the scheme of things.  And while we don’t look to make mountains out of mole hills, when we continue to rationalize something as being ‘not that important’ we can suddenly awaken to the reality that we have many unaddressed issues that have overtaken the positives of the work we do and the job we have.  From my standpoint, I have yet to derive something positive from using the broom as it’s at best, only a temporary fix that can come to haunt us.
Mike Dorman