Get Your “Generations Working Together”

This topic is something many of us employers don’t think about until we find dissention within our workforce.

If you’re looking to narrow the gaps that inherently exist between different workplace generations the above titled book by Laura E. Bernstein offers the following tips each manager needs to do!

• Acknowledge that everyone wants to be treated with dignity and respect. And, remember that those expectations will likely be defined differently by different people.

• Give coworkers, customers, and suppliers the same benefit of the doubt that you wish from them.

• Presume that everyone you interact with is motivated by good intentions – unless they prove otherwise.

• Accept that you can learn from others’ different life experiences, perspectives, and approaches – just as others can learn from yours.

• Make an effort to focus on your similarities with others rather than your differences. Find, appreciate, and celebrate the common ground you share with those you work with … and work for.

• Be willing to flex your natural style and preferences in order to work more effectively with all of your colleagues. Increased cooperation and collaboration results in greater success … for EVERYONE!

• Be open and tactfully honest about your personal “hot buttons” (i.e., recurring sources of tension or conflict) and mindful of the things that bother others.

• Remember that each individual brings something special (and needed) to the table … each person represents a piece that must be present in order for your organizational puzzle to be complete.

• Focus on what really matters: productivity, teamwork, customer service, and mutual success.

• Accept the fact that how you treat, deal with, and respond to others is purely and simply a matter of your own choosing.

I believe that many of these practices should be followed not only in business but are equally important to observe in our daily lives.

Andrea McAfee

Bayless Engineering & Manufacturing

www.baylessengineering.com

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

Just got back from the VIA Lunch today on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. WOW!! If you are a small business owner and you missed today’s VIA Lunch you NEED to check out this program. The promo video speaks for itself.

VIA’s B2B – 2013

YES, we are so excited to be (already) working on B2B~2013! 

Now is the time to mark your business calendars and add placeholders in your budgets for sponsorship dollars!

If last years’ hugely successful B2B is any indicator, more businesses will be vying for exposure at the Valley’s premier business event, so please consider this reminder to:

• Save the date – March 19, 2013
• Earmark – Sponsorship funds in your budget

B2B 2013 will be held at the Hyatt  Regency Valencia.  Many of the details are still being planned so watch the VIA website and our media sponsors for information as it unfolds.