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Summary: This Book Works
Review: A number of months ago I was asked to make a presentation to a group of seniors. I got a preview copy of Generations at Work. I used a number of examples from the book and the audience identified with this information. They said it correctly represented their peers, children, grand-children and great grandchildren. They said it helped them get a new perspective on how today's generation viewed the workplace.Last week I used the book to augment a leadership course I deliver for non-commissioned officers in the United States Air Force Reserve. The participants in the Air Force Reservce courses see employees from a military and a civilian perspective. Participants in last weeks course said they agreed the information in the book captures today's employee perspective on work, whether military or civilian. Kent W. Jones THE KENT WILSON JONES COMPANY Lake Crystal, MN
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Summary: Avoiding Perception Pitfalls
Review: Are GenXers to be viewed as disloyal or entrepreneurial? This book is great in explaining that both perceptions could be considered correct. Compared to their elders, where company loyalty was rewarded with job security, the younger generations have seen lay-offs loom at the slightest downtick of the company stock. In response they've developed the attitude of "no job is forever", and coupled with the frenetic pace of technical innovation in which they've steeped themselves, they're off to the races. The authors of "Generations at Work" do a masterful job of explaining the motivations of the different generations and how management can best utilize these dynamics to the benefit of all. Not only to the bottom line, but to the workplace harmonics and standard of living as well. Written with a healthy dose of humor, it's one of those books that's hard to put down, unlike many similar works on the topic that should only be used as a cure for insomnia.
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Summary: Working together: Linking the Young and the Not so Young
Review: As I approach the age of 59 (a true veteran) after many years of working in corporate America, I joyfully find myself a key player in a start-up company - working with a majority of Gen X'ers. It's great. Working Across Generations is a great resource for all of us. The easy to read descriptions/characteristics for each age group promote better understanding. I also found lots of tips for improving our working relations. I find that Generation X is a hot topic in many companies who are scrambling to hire the best and the brightest in a tight labor market. This book is a must read for staffing people hoping to hire the "right" people for their company.
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Summary: Adjusting your perspcetive
Review: Awesome read, Zemke puts things into focus for every generation. An absolute must read for every Baby-Boomer parent these days! This book will shift your paradigm while clarifying the trends of todays business environment. Dont miss this one, its worth every penny!
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Summary: Oh, so that's what she meant!
Review: Dealing with co-workers is often the hardest part of any job. This book is valuable in helping you understand how others view the world based on their generational differences. As the workforce grows older, the generational gaps get wider and unfortunately, there is often room for misunderstanding within those gaps. This book helps you figure out how to approach someone who may have a different work ethic, work style or world view based on their age. It's also very interesting to read about your own generation and figure out if you think that is where you fit. Ultimately, Generations At Work is instructive in the practical way it promotes respect and understanding in the workplace. And it is not just for the workplace, it could be very helpful in resolving family conflicts as well.
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Summary: Clear, bold and practical
Review: Generations At Work is the best book yet on the topic of cross-generational challenges in the work place. Clearly written, boldly presented and very practical, it is a must-read for any leader anxious to harness businesses most precious resource: talent!
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Summary: Wall Street Journal, November 1999
Review: GENERATIONS AT WORK. So many of today's workplace quibbles over work-life issues are fueled by generational differences. This well-written book by Ron Zemke, Claire Raines and Bob Filipczak analyzes the reasons and gives tips for managers on retaining Gen-Xers and how to get old and young people to work harmoniously together...Their insights might inspire compassion in both work and family life.
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Summary: You can fool some of the people, all of the time.
Review: Have you ever read a "study" that contains tiny bits of truth (usually things that are obvious) but the rest is false? That's the case with Generations At Work.
If you remove the stereotypes all that remains is stuff that ought to be obvious. It may be that some CEOs with large numbers of disgruntled employees are unaware of even the most blantant trends and conflicts in the workplace but the lesson there is to fix the workplace, not the employees. All generations will be cynical if they are contstantly in danger of being laid off.
From my own experience, 3 examples that are completely the opposite of what this book describes. (1) People in my age group are supposed to be driven overachievers. How I wish that were true. Must have come from astrology or something. (2) I worked for a company that hired two young "golden collar" tech experts. These kids were outstanding. There were no personality conflicts. There were no generational conflicts. And the fact that they were so knowlegable made us worship them! So what if they preferred rock climbing to golf? (3) Speaking of stereotypes, the company shut down and we all got laid off. According to this book, young IT professionals can write their own ticket, right? False, again. Four months have passed and one of our young geniuses has a boring job with a long commute and big pay cut. The other has refused to take a crummy job and remains unemployed.
The book is not without humor, perhaps unintentional. Apparently Lucent is a good example of how waring generations can make peace. But I wonder how many managers want their company to perform as Lucent has.
In the end, the key to a productive harmonious workplace is for people to have jobs they enjoy, pay well and are reasonably secure. In a lesser work environment all managers can hope for is to tap into the stereotypes in this book to try to keep the dust down.
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Summary: On target
Review: How dull it would be if we were all alike! It can be all too easy to lose sight of the fact that the people we work with are just that: people. People with different views, memories, attitudes, and yes, of different generations. This book's approach is right on target. It gives great insight and useful approaches with a light touch of humor and humanity.
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Summary: Fun and informative
Review: I don't read a lot of "business books" for a very simple reason: They're boring as hell. This look at workplace relationships is lively, funny, and really helpful to anyone who has a job or knows someone who does.
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