Why can’t we all just get along? Baby boomers call Gen Xers slackers. Gen Xers laugh when millennials send text messages to a person three seats down. If you see these things in the workplace, read on. Roberta Chinsky Matuson, the President of Human Resource Solutions is an expert on generations in the workplace. Her firm provides consulting and training to resolve intergenerational conflicts. She even has a blog that helps us capitalize on each generation’s unique perspectives at work. She’s also a fellow MBA and entrepreneur, so I asked for her perspective on those topics as well.
LISA: As a fellow MBA, you’ve seen many of us focus on achieving big titles and big pay. What is your perspective on how to best lead from our current roles, whatever they might be?
ROBERTA: With big titles and big pay comes big responsibilities. Sounds real exciting when you are in your twenties and thirties. Then comes the reality of having a partner/spouse, children and perhaps an aging parent or two. Soon you are wishing for the good old days when you could leave at 5:00. Given the current state of the economy and the postponement of retirement of Boomers, many MBA’s will find themselves in the position of leading in place. This means setting a good example and mentoring those who are behind you on the ladder. Be patient. Your turn will come.
LISA: What led you to study generational harmony, and what can we learn from each other when we open our minds?
ROBERTA: I witness so many misconceptions because people were not taking the time to really get to know one another. They were making decisions on assumptions. When we open our minds, we learn that we are really not that different. Most people want to feel valued and respected and treated as if they matter.
LISA: Do you see risks in living perpetually plugged in? How do today’s ambitious professionals reconcile the desire to ‘have a life’ and simultaneously make big strides at work?
ROBERTA: If you are sleeping with your Blackberry then you certainly have a problem. Most of us are simply not that important that we cannot be unplugged for eight hours. I would suggest setting boundaries right from the beginning. Make it clear that you will not be checking e-mail while on vacation nor will you be responding to calls made to your home at all hours of the night.
LISA: You’ve spent years as a career expert. Where do you get people to start when they ask “how do I figure out what I want to do when I grow up?”
ROBERTA: I recommend people start by building a list of everything they enjoy doing and figuring out what types of careers align with this list. Sometimes I advise people to just give it a try. Who knows, you might enjoy a job you never considered.
LISA: Several of our MBAs have commented that networking events seem to be shallow business card exchanges. What is your opinion on networking events, and how can we make the connections more meaningful?
ROBERTA: I am imagining they feel that way because most people go there to “work the room.” They try to collect as many cards as possible and then they go home thinking they have had a successful evening of networking. Nothing could be further than the truth. Set a realistic plan for yourself. Perhaps it is to meet two people who would be willing to meet with you for a coffee. If you find yourself monopolized by someone who is clearly not who you came to meet, politely excuse yourself and try to meet other people in the room.
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