Baby Boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z are all working together in today’s business landscape. The cleaning industry is no different. Understanding how each generation thinks, works, and what makes them ‘tick’ can help company leaders better focus on each age group’s strengths. The end goal involves making the most of everyone’s natural tendencies.
Speaking on this subject will be Lee Silber (leesilber.com), an award-winning author of 26 books with a new book about generations due out soon. A professional speaker with 32 years of experience, Silber is also the co-host of a weekly podcast on efficiency and a former janitor with experience in commercial cleaning. His session at the ISSA Show is titled “Generation We: Getting All Ages To Work Better Together,” and is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. on Monday, November 18.
“When we know what brings out the best in each generation, we see an increase in productivity and a decrease in stress. We’re also able to make the most of mentorships, often involving experienced workers teaching their younger counterparts, and vice versa,” Silber said. “With a greater understanding of each generation’s influences comes greater acceptance and respect — something extremely important in the workplace. Lastly, when we know what drives each age group and how to best lead, manage, and work together, we create a more harmonious work environment.
“I will focus the first half of my presentation on what makes each generation unique. Basically, we will discuss ‘why they are and way they are,’” Silber said. “When we better understand the people representing these different generations, we are put in a better position — as a company — to succeed.”
The second half of Silber’s presentation will focus on what each generation has in common with the others.
“There are many things that make each generation similar when it comes to needs, happiness, and a desire to succeed,” Silber said. “Today, it’s very possible to find representatives of five generations working at the same place. These are people who grew up in different eras and thus have different experiences in life. That often influences their approach to interactions and work in general. I will also discuss the differences between ‘right-’ and ‘left-brained people’ as it pertains to interactions in the workplace. Everyone is different, but some people are ‘wired’ differently than others. It helps to understand such differences to grow and succeed as co-workers.”
“Just because people are different doesn’t mean they can’t work together. That includes people from different generations and thought processes. In fact, our differences can make us all stronger.”
Silber said his presentation will be interactive, adding, “There are people who learn by seeing, others who learn by hearing, but almost everyone learns by doing.”
He explained there is no age limit when it comes to learning, which is why attending educational sessions, such as the one Silber will present, is so important.
“When you are learning, you are also evolving and improving,” he added. “The opposite is doing things the way you’ve always done them, and then risk becoming obsolete.”
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