The Generation Game at Work

The Generation Game at Work We are living longer and retiring later, and this means up to five generations of employees may be working together at any one time. With employees often working well beyond 70, as school leavers join the workforce, companies have a striking challenge managing a multi-generation workforce with very different characteristics. It is changing the way we work. Older workers are adapting to their technological challenges while workers just entering the workplace must adjust to how things are done by their older co-workers. A survey by the Office for National Statistics cites the main challenges in managing a multigenerational workforce as: Different communication styles Expectations of in-office work and flexible working Balancing the needs for new ideas against maintaining the status quo Managing expectations for speedy promotions Negative generational stereotypes Company culture clashes How we communicate is a key issue: meetings are more popular with older employees than younger ones who, you won’t be surprised to learn, prefer to communicate electronically either using email or chat platforms. What motivates different generations: Baby boomers (1946-1964) want health insurance, a boss they respect and a decent salary Generation X (1965-1980) value salary, job security alongside job challenges and are self-sufficient Generation Y (1981-1996) known as millennials put equal value on remuneration and job security but also want to pursue their passions and need regular feedback Generation Z (1997-present) also value salary, but pursuing their passions is preferred over job security, they also want plenty of feedback It can be useful for HR to get a handle on the demographics within the organization. Use data and analytics to gauge insight from employees, to understand how your workforce is made up, and identify trends within the groups. Those of different generations and at different stages of life want different things from their careers. If you can take an employee-centered approach and accommodate employees where possible, it will pay dividends. A focus on results rather than the process will allow the organization to make changes to suit an employee’s preferences, so they deliver better results be flexible around the needs of different generations. Don’t be misled by lazy stereotyping, lots of older workers cope very happily with technology and younger are keen to contribute. On a cautionary note, the CIPD report that their research found diversity within each generation as significant as across generations. We all bring unique strengths to work. Share and collaborate Bear in mind that mixed-age teams allow older employees to play off their long experience and share knowledge with younger workers, enabling the institutional knowledge transfer that can help in bringing millennials up to speed. Feedback is a key issue. Older generation workers are used to structured feedback, for example through formal annual appraisals; while younger workers tend to prefer ongoing regular feedback which is developmental and aimed at real-time learning, rather formal performance appraisals. Managers need to evolve strategies to identify the strengths and abilities of each working generation while recognizing that each employee responds to different management styles, work environments, and motivational techniques differently and that affects overall performance. It is important that employers facilitate an organizational culture that recognizes employee values, provides relevant rewards and development opportunities while creating meaningful work that gives individuals a greater sense of engagement and satisfaction. At 10Eighty, we believe that building a culture which encourages collaborative working is crucial to good workforce planning. A multi-generational workplace benefits from diverse skills, learning styles and aspirations around career progress but it also involves a range of challenges for corporate leadership. We can all learn from each other and examining generational trends is a starting point in understanding others preferences and dealing with differences from a professional perspective.

The Parent Dilemma - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The Parent Dilemma - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Parents want what is safe and secure for their children. Growing up, my mom and dad told me to get good grades, go to a great university, and get a high-paying job after I graduate. They also encouraged me to get my MBA and work hard so that I can climb the corporate ladder. But although my parents encouraged me to get a secure and stable job, they never required it of me. In contrast, many of my friends have parents who required them to become doctors, lawyers, or corporate business men. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it in their parents mindset, art, music, theater, and even entrepreneurship are for the poor and the foolish. Therefore, many undergraduates face a parent dilemma: do they obey their parents and pursue a safe, secure, and stable job, or do they disobey their parents, take risks, and try to find their own path in life. Understand that you are not in debt to your parents Many of my friends believed that because their parents had taken care of them all of their lives, that they were in debt to them and had to do what they said. It therefore led them to lead the career path that their parents believed was best for them. But I believe this is an incorrect mindset. Yes, your parents have taken care of you for 18 years, but in no way does that mean you owe them anything. It is a parents responsibility to lovingly raise their children as best as they can; it is a parents responsibility to help their children achieve success in life.  But that doesnt mean parents can choose what success means for their children. It all starts with your mindset. Always respect and love your parents, but understand that they should not live your life for you; you need to find your own path in life and hopefully your parents will support you and help you find your own path. What if your parents pay for your college education I have had many friends tell me that they cant change majors because their parents pay for their college education and thus get to decide what major they should take. This is an extremely difficult situation because parents do have the option of cutting your educational funding. If your parents wont let you take the major that you want to pursue, then the best step moving forward is to fund your education independently from your parents, which is what I did. There are a myriad of options for students: loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs are some of the many great options that students have to fund their education. Dont go behind your parents backs Honesty is always the best policy. Be up front and honest with your parents about your interests, major choices, and career paths. Its not important for you to choose your career path now; instead, its important for you to explore your many options and find what you truly love to do. My parents were of course worried for me because they felt that lawyers and corporate business men make a lot of money and will live a stable and secure life. But they appreciated that I came to them for their advice and to let them know about my plans for the future. Your parents may be much more stubborn than mine and refuse to understand and support your choices in life; but dont be discouraged, its not important that your parents support you, rather, its important that you honestly communicate with your parents and ask for their love and support. Its good to have your back up against the wall I am a firm believer that a person grows and develops the most when their back is up against the wall. If you dont have any challenges, if your parents support you financially and dictate your life path, then your personal growth becomes stagnant and you become a robot that just does what others tell them.  You become a person who is told what to do rather than a person who acts on what needs to be done. A person that has to work hard to pay for their education and that takes risks to find what they want to do in life will exponentially grow in mind and in spirit. Challenges bring the best out of people, and require you to figure out how to accomplish a problem by learning new skills and abilities that you previously did not have. Love life Lets keep it as simple as possible: life is about being happy, so do what makes you happy. Your parents may be sad or even disappointed that you dont choose the career path that they want of you, but its not their life to live. I truly believe that as long as a parent sees that their child is successful and happy, that they in turn will be successful and happy.  Pursue what makes you happy with all of your effort and might, and in turn, your parents will be happy as well. Author: Jun Loayza is the Founder of  Lion Step Media. In his entrepreneurial experience, Jun has sold 2 internet companies and lead social media technology campaigns for Sephora, Whole Foods Market, Levis, LG, and Activision.

The 4-Letter Word that Will Transform Your Day

The 4-Letter Word that Will Transform Your Day I have a confession: I use a particular four-letter word at least 10 times a day. I’m not even ashamed to say it. In fact, I hope to persuade you to start using it too. The word is “done.” I have embraced the art of “done!” for as long as I can remember. Researchers are finally catching up to me with the science as well. Dr. Leslie Sherlin, is a psychologist, neuroperformance specialist, and the cofounder of the brain-training company SenseLabs. He serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the organization and specializes in sports psychology. He’s spent years studying the brains of people (especially athletes) whose intense ability to focus allows them to make fast and good decisions on the fly in the field. In a 2015 interview with Fast Company Magazine, Dr. Sherlin discusses how the brain reacts when it’s working on a complex or difficult task. Brain activity is heightened during the task, and when you finish, you get a shot of serotonin (the brain’s feel good hormone) and a brain wave state that resembles a relaxed â€" even meditative state. Your brain and body reward you for getting the job done â€" the physiological equivalent of a doggy treat and a hearty “good boy!” (or girl) Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'xodChCE_SkRNjiP3vZqhZw',sig:'QdXcybQbw7UFdUBWEaXKwYC80Y5FEYCbFajUj3yYRTc=',w:'509px',h:'339px',items:'550216273',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); This reward state can help you get ready to focus on the next task, says Sherlin. That relaxed and upbeat moment builds confidence and momentum as you approach the next task. You know that feeling. It’s the exhilaration you feel as you cross item after item off your to-do list. “Bring it on â€" I’m on fire!” Sherlin suggest incorporating more of these reward moments into your day by breaking your work into smaller chunks that can be accomplished quickly. This is another version of the “Swiss Cheese” method of working: take big projects, (“do your taxes”) and break them into a series of small tasks (“organize receipts.”) These small tasks give you the opportunity to say “done!” more often. Many productivity experts say that working in short, intensive bursts is more effective than spending hours on a single project. The first few minutes of intense focus are the most productive, so try setting an alarm that goes off after 15 minutes. Do as much work as you can in that 15 minutes, then say “done!” and take a brief break (mental or physical.) Set another 15-minute alarm, and get back to work. Part of what makes this technique effective is that you jump straight into work, which you may not do if your time is not being measured. (I have not read any studies on the beneficial effects of shouting “go!” to get started, but it might be something to try.) For the record, exercise physiologists say this is the most effect way to work your body, as well. One of my least favorite jobs was an administrative one that never had an end point; the work seemed to flow on forever. I realize now that I need the “done!” factor to find my work enjoyable. Do you work in shorter, more intense spurts? Do you have another productivity trick you’d like to share? Let me know.

When and why will you need a family attorney

When and why will you need a family attorney Having a family attorney is essential, and although you may not need them often, it is advisable to have one that you can always go to. Before marriage, there are many things that an attorney will be helpful with; hence, one should consider consulting one to guide them through the transition from singlehood into marriage. Family law not only covers marriage but other elements within the union as well up until it comes to an end either through death or divorce. Before getting married, there is a ton of paperwork that one needs to go through to ensure that they can be married legally in a certain state and acquire certification for the same. Some of the important ones before the officiating ceremony are the marriage license and prenuptial agreement (if you agree with your partner to have one). After the marriage is done, there is a need to change one’s status in some crucial documents. The list that one ought to deal with after the nuptials is long and one can write down a to-do list to ensure that they do not leave out anything. They are; The social security number Insurance firms Medical providers Companies you are in debt with The credit card company Your employer The lease agreement (if you live in a rented home) The post office Utilities The office Bank accounts Driver’s license, and Passport Even when you decide to keep the names given at birth and not include your partner’s in your documents, the marital status ought to be changed. To understand the legalities governing changing each of the above, it may be wise to consult a lawyer operating in this field. Other than marriage, processes that will necessitate the need for an attorney are; adoption, divorce, asset acquisition, settling child custody, and guardianship among others. Things that you ought to consider when getting a family attorney are; Cost â€" a budget ought to be laid down before one tries to find a family attorney. Allocating funds for this undertaking is vital as it helps narrow down the number of lawyers to be vetted that are within one’s budget. Hiring a lawyer that you can afford to pay without strain is ideal. Licensing â€" the attorney hired has to have the necessary certifications to operate in a given jurisdiction. If a lawyer is not allowed to practice in your area, they are not worth your time since they cannot represent you in a court of law. Experience â€" the number of years that a lawyer has been in practice informs his or her decision regarding the different family legalities. When dealing with matters of utmost importance, go for an attorney who has been in the business for a good number of years. Success rate â€" lawyers with a high success rate should be given priority when choosing. To gauge the outcome of a case, one can look at an attorney’s history dealing with the same. Sometimes these type of attorneys come at a high cost but are more likely to deliver positive results.

How to Become a Flight Attendant in the 2nd Half of Life [Podcast] - Career Pivot

How to Become a Flight Attendant in the 2nd Half of Life [Podcast] - Career Pivot Podcast #162 â€" Marc Interviews Joanne Webb, Author of Desire the Skies â€" The First Book Every Aspiring Flight Attendant Needs to Read Description: Joanne Webb has been a flight attendant for nineteen years. As she pursued this career path, she also took some miss-steps along the way. She applied to become a flight attendant a few different times after graduating from college. She was rejected, and based on that feeling, stopped pursuing the one career that truly made her feel excited. In the summer of 2000, Joanne wandered into a hat store in New York City after calling on a client. The woman working there, Tricia, was about fifty at the time. She mentioned she was going to Paris that night and that she was a flight attendant for Continental Airlines, which is now part of United Airlines. Joanne told her she had applied three years before and they didn’t want her. Tricia assured her that was not necessarily true â€" she just needed some coaching. Joanne reapplied at Continental and is now a nineteen-year flight attendant at United (United and Continental merged). Joanne also spent two years volunteering with immigrants in Denver with employment services. In doing this, she learned about resumes and interviews, as well as about the general workplace from a different angle. Joanne has taken knowledge from the airline industry and from employment counseling and has created two online courses, does private interview coaching, and has written a book called Desire the Skies: The First Book Every Aspiring Flight Attendant Needs to Read. Many of her clients are doing a Career Pivot. Repurpose Your Career Podcast Survey The 2020 Repurpose Your Career Podcast survey is available. I am looking for your feedback about what you liked in 2019 and what you would like to see in 2020. Please click here to take the survey. Next week, I have the founders of NextforMe.com, Carole McManus and Jeff Tidwell to talk to us about their online community and their book by the same name. Now on to the podcast… Download Link | iTunes|Stitcher Radio|Google Podcast| Podbean | TuneIn | Overcast| Pandora Prescription for Change: From Pharmacist To Flight Attendant â€" Secondactstories.org Joanne explains that people who are interested in becoming flight attendants in the 2nd half of life are often those who wanted to do this earlier in their lives but did not pursue it. Airlines Catagories Regional Airlines Mesa Endeavor PSA Commute Air (Doing business as United Express, Delta Connection, or American Eagle.) Low-Cost Airlines Ultra-Low-Cost Allegiant Air Spirit Frontier Low Cost Jet Blue Southwest Legacy Airlines Hawaiian Alaska Delta United American Getting Hired Qualifications to get hired are: High School Diploma Over 21 years of age Legal right to work in the US and countries where the airlines fly At least one year of customer year experience You also need a passion for the service industry. Hiring is very competitive. Boot camp is typically 6 weeks in a remote location. It is extensive and stressful. 90+% of the material is safety-related. Joanne offers the advice that you should be able to open your garage door manually or lift a 30-pound bag over your head. She also suggests you have a financial nest egg saved up. You can find her book at DesiretheSkies.com. Joanne can be reached at hello@joannewebb.net Online course â€" Get Your Wings Course The Career Pivot Membership Community continues to help the approximately 50 members who are participating in the Beta phase of this project to grow and thrive. This is a community where everyone is there to help everyone else. Marc is recruiting new members for the next cohort. If you are interested in the Career Pivot Membership Community and would like to be put on a waiting list, please go to CareerPivot.com/Community. Marc invites you to connect with him on LinkedIn.com/in/mrmiller. Just include in the connection request that you listen to this podcast. You can look for Career Pivot on Facebook, LinkedIn, or @CareerPivot on Twitter. Please support the Repurpose Your Career podcast by going to Careerpivot.com/donate. Please hop over to CareerPivot.com and subscribe to get updates on this podcast and all the other happenings at Career Pivot. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, the Google Podcasts app, Podbean, the Overcast app, or the Spotify app and on Pandora! Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

This Is How Traditional Job Boards Are Failing You - CareerEnlightenment.com

3. They only provide surface-level information.There’s more to a job than the duties you’d be performing. Factors like company culture, advancement opportunities, and co-workers will also affect your overall happiness. You also have to consider the state of the industry the organization is in and what that can mean for its and your future. But in many cases, job postings don’t go that in-depth. So, it’s up to you to dive deeper and track down that information before applying.A great resource for job seekers is social media. Checking an organization’s Twitter or Facebook page can give you a lot of insight into their culture. Looking for signs of how they recognize employees’ achievements will enable you to determine whether youll feel appreciated by the company.Additionally, reach out to current employees through LinkedIn and ask if they’d be willing to share their opinion about working for that particular organization or industry. More often than not, extremely happy or unhappy employees will give you more reliable information than a job description.4. They make applying for a job a pain.Once you find a job you’re interested in, the next big hassle of job boards start: actually applying for the job. Depending on the website, you either have to go through countless steps, or it only allows you to upload your resume and then there’s no chance to provide additional information.Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about how each job board chooses to accept applications. What you can do is make the best of whatever room you are given to showcase your skills. If there are character or word limits to your responses, use them wisely. Be concise and avoid unnecessary flowery language. Also, find ways to include links to your personal website or LinkedIn page, so employers can easily find out more about you.As much as we all dislike them, traditional job boards are a part of the job search. But by recognizing what their issues are, you can d o a better job of successfully navigating job descriptions they list.What are some other problems with traditional job boards? Share in the comments below!

Take a break from daily work - Hallie Crawford

Take a break from daily work I was recently in Los Angeles for a three day marketing conference to learn how to be a better marketer in my coaching practice. It was an awesome learning experience and an eye opener which led me to try something new which I had previously dismissed as not for me. I found myself in a room with a lot of holistic healers. HmmI was in sunny California with lots of sprouts, avocados, veggie and fruit juicing, massage therapy, meditation, and spiritual leaders and just a downright relaxed attitude. Not something a Type -A, New Yorker like myself could easily get into. But, this time it caused me to PAUSE. The facilitator used meditation every morning to help us to center ourselves and be ready (in a calm way) for the very long day and to be open to whatever happened in the day. Okay a little woo-woo, and I admit I kept one eye open during the process. But, as I focused on my breathing, became still and just listened to her guided meditation, I really liked it.  When I got home, I investigated further. My research led me to chakras, Om, mantras, inner peace, and creativity. It was fascinating to me.  So when I received an e-mail from Oprah introducing me to Deepak Chopras free 21 Days of Guided Meditation, I decided to try it. I found that being a skeptic actually helped as I learned to just let the negative labels go and be in the moment. I also found that I gifted myself with 20 minutes of quietness each morning. I felt less stress and anxiety as I started my day. So, now I am a believer and new practitioner of meditation. When you think about the amount of time that you give to your career, think also about taking a break during each day to take care of yourself as a way to refresh. A 2011 study in the journal  Cognition  overturns a decades-old theory about the nature of attention and demonstrates that even brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve ones ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods. So, think about a walk around the office, exercise during your lunch break, take a walk on the company campus or the streets of your city, find a quiet place to meditate, take an actual break for lunch away from your desk, or find a serene place to phone a business contact or friend just to see how they are doing. Often we just say, I dont have time for that. That is actually what I thought about meditation who has time for it? So, do one thing for yourself that breaks up your day. Think about what new ways you could take a mental break from your hectic work day something you have turned your nose up at in the past in the name of I dont have time. Why not PAUSE and reframe your rejection to one of acceptance and a try it attitude. You may just find something you love that will be part of your life that will give you that spark of creativity and boost your energy and productivityI did. Namaste. and  Katie Weiser Certified Career Coaches P.S.  Are you in the ideal career for you?  Find out if you’re in the right career with our  Ideal Career Quiz.