Generations, What Generations?

Take a moment to watch this video. Great example!

I recently had the opportunity to attend a presentation on the Multi-Generational issues that face most companies today, and definitely will in the future! It was of the best presentations I have seen on the subject!

I give full credit to the team of Amy Lynch and Kim Lear from Bridgeworks for their excellent presentation. The company has also published two books entitled: When Generations Collide and The M-Factor: How The Millenial Generation Is Rocking The Workplace.

I have attached two summaries from them for your consideration. When you think of the different groups, we all know others, or fellow employees, that embody these characteristics, motivations, and skill sets. Each group has its’ unique strengths whose diversity, talents, and traits, when understood and embraced, can truly bring strength and opportunity to any Company or organization. Understanding these differences can also really make a big difference in success in selling or buying products and services.

For example:

What Traditionalists (born before 1946) really want is some of YOUR time. They want to talk, discuss, and have you explain things for them.

Baby Boomers (born 1946-64) are typically hard workers, very busy and stressed out so they really want you to help them save some of THEIR time.

Gen X-ers (1965-1979) are natural skeptics, and really want you to explain the WHY for them. You need to earn their trust.

Millenials (1980-85) like to work as a team, are very computer and media savvy, and are more socially conscious that the other groups.

What will the GenEdge group bring? The jury is still out, but they have a lot of promise. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

I hope this helps you to better understand the generational issues which affect our personal and business lives. Understand, and embrace, each of their skills and traits and you will benefit from it for generations to come!

Oh, %$#&^*, I didn’t mean to do that!

Ever hear those words coming out of your own mouth?   They usually follow immediately AFTER you hit the SEND button on an email you did not mean to send!

I am sure we have all had that wonderful experience.   Here are some very important tips to remember, especially when sending business emails.

First, NEVER put anything in an email that you would not like the whole world to see, because they just MIGHT.   Remember that email is forever.   Even if you delete it, it is still out there somewhere in the Cloud for others to find and use.   If you doubt this, you can just ask a few Ex-Congressmen about it!   If it is important, or is sensitive information, pick up the phone or meet in person.

Second, please DO NOT use Text Message acronyms in a business email.   You may have seen LOL, or CUL, CSL, or one of my personal favorites, WDALYIC!   These are fine for text messages or Twitter posts, but definitely not for business emails.   I suspect most of those of us in the over 30+ crowd don’t know what they mean anyway!.   If you are internet speak challenged, like I am, here is a link to a site that can help   www.netlingo.com

FINALLY, please DO NOT hit that *(**%  Reply All button unless you really need to!     Think of this before you hit that button.   If someone sends you an Email with just 20 recipients, and each person hits that Reply All button, 400 unecessary emails were just created!   I don’t know about you, but I have enough trouble just managing my regular Emails and all the SPAM I get, let alone 20 more with “Ditto”, or I’ll be there, or some other such nonsense.   Oh, Bill Gates, jsut where is that “Are You Sure” button?

Randy Moberg, CLTC

Chief Operating Officer

L/B/W Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.

www.lbwinsurance.com