Preface

Generational labels do not work. When taken at face value, a generation is simply a description of a group of people born at about the same time, regarded collectively. The label itself is not bad. What is bad is the association our society has put on those labels. One cannot hear the word millennial without a swarm of preconceived notions filling the mind. The word has become sullied with ignorance. Although this is true for all generations, the situation is particularly egregious for the millennial generation (also known as generation Y). Most literature on generational issues focuses on this younger generation, particularly in the workplace. Although baby boomers, gen Xers, and the silent generation are not immune to stereotyping, they do not receive the same level of attention.

Assumptions about people cannot be made based on generational trends. The purpose of this book is to equip the professional workforce of America with the tools to overcome generational stereotypes and work better together.

It is a cycle that must be broken. I believe we would all benefit if we collectively took a reprieve from using generational labels. To relieve ourselves of unfair judgments and social baggage, I suggest we stop using generational labels until they've lost their charge.

This book is separated into three parts. The first part presents the existing problem with generational issues. The second part is a toolkit for managers. The third part provides a roadmap for overcoming generational ...

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