Inter-generational issues have always been a concern but never before as challenging in the workplace as now. How many of these are disturbing your sleep?
- Transferring responsibilities from one generation to another
- Difficulty in communications between older and younger generations
- Less than optimum respect and tolerance between older and younger generations because of differences in work and life objectives
- Senior professionals and executives who won't let go and have too much of their identity tied up in their positions and their work
- People who would be willing to transition clients to younger people but would be penalized by the compensation system
- Difficulty making room for younger people to move up because the senior ones want to stay and continue to be productive
- How to minimize defections to other firms due to lack of opportunities based on inter-generational issues
- Structured vs. freelance mentalities
- "Entitlement" mentality vs. "You need to pay your dues"
- Professional development and mentoring programs not succeeding because of unwillingness and lack of incentive to spend the time
- Clients who want to work with partners younger than the current lead client partner
- Older professionals reporting to younger practice leaders
- Stigmas around granting flexible working arrangements, especially if only granted to "accommodate" parents with young children
© Phyllis Weiss Haserot, 2005. All rights reserved.