Generation Integration: Roberta Matuson Unites Boomers, X-ers and Millennials in the Workplace

Just When You Thought Things Couldn't Get Worse

The Labor Department reported on Thursday that the American economy shed 467,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, its highest level in 26 years. Depressing? Yes. Makes you want to ask for a life line. If only life were a game show.

Many Americans are going to give up on their job search after they hear this news. Others will recognize this means they have to kick their job searches up a notch. Here are some tips for those of you who fall into the second group.

Unplug - Step away from your computers and start making real connections. Most of 875 people you have listed on Facebook are not really your friends, nor will they be of much assistance in your search. Instead, start setting up face-to-face meetings with people who can connect you with hiring managers.

Take the chip off your shoulder - The only person that cares that you've been out of work for 18 months is you. There isn't a person on the planet who is not aware of what is going on the economy. Be prepared to say what you've been doing during your period of unemployment and move on.

Invest - It may seem counter-intuitive to spend money when you are out of work. But what if this investment gave you a return that was life-long, instead of the buzz you just received from drinking your Starbucks latte? Investing in a Job Search Mentor and a new interview suit is money well spent.

Job searching in this economy is like running a marathon. You need to pace yourself so that you make it to the finish line. When you do, be sure to extend your hand and help someone else over the finish line. Together, we can get people back to work.

Change of Scenery

I don't know about you, but I sure could benefit from a change of scenery. In fact, as of Monday, this will be my view for the summer. I suppose I could exaggerate a bit by saying that this is the view from my office. But that wouldn't be 100% true. Let's just say that I'll be taking meetings here and using this as my lunch room, as office space is quite dear near the ocean. 

Summers here in New England are quite short. That's why I feel the need to embrace every moment of it that I can. I'll do some thinking here, a bit of writing and a whole lot of "networking." 

I'm clearing the deck so that I can clear my mind. I suggest you do the same. Maybe instead of the beach, you'll head to the mountains. Or perhaps you'll take a full hour for lunch. Do something that will rejuvenate your spirit, so you are refreshed and able to recommit to whatever it is that you are doing. 

If you are in the neighborhood, stop by. Just be sure to bring your lotion.

The Future of America

I just saw the future of America and it was scary. You see, today was the last day of school and just about every person from the Jr. High was at the local ice cream shop. Many with their phones texting the day away. I couldn't help but overhear their loud conversations, which I'm sure would embarrass the heck out of their parents.

I thought this generation valued diversity and respected differences. You wouldn't know it based on the comments I heard going back and forth. One can only imagine what these kids are posting on their My Space pages.

I wonder if this is happening all across America or only in my small town. More importantly, what are we going to do to protect this generation from themselves?

Is It Time for an Attitude Adjustment?

I've been feeling a bit funky lately. Maybe it's the gloomy weather we've been having here on the East Coast or maybe it's all the doom and gloom that I've been writing about regarding the economy. I'm thinking it's time for an attitude adjustment.

I like to practice what I preach. I have re channeled all of my energy into completing my new Special Report titled Recession: Opportunity to Grow. I'll post a link as soon as it's on my web site. I've strengthened my bio and platform for my book proposal and I'm taking Fast Company by storm with my new expert blog called the Management Escalator. I feel better all ready and am going to move a few more things forward a mile, rather than my usual of moving 10 things forward an inch (Thanks Alan Weiss for that one!)

So what are you going to do this week to readjust your attitude? What are you willing to let go of? What are you willing to take on? Do something. Or before you know it, another week will have gone by and you'll be chugging along slowly with that same old attitude weighing you down.

Tips For Managing Mature Workers

Lately, I've been seeing a lot more requests for tips on how to manage mature workers. Here's the thing. I don't think it's all that different than managing all workers. But okay, if you need specific tips, here they are:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T-Aretha Franklin sang about it, but it’s more than just a song. Companies need to embrace what the mature worker brings to the table. Instead of dismissing their ideas as gibberish, acknowledge their perspective and listen for those pearls of wisdom that can only come from experience.

 

Technically challenged-Today’s young managers can’t imagine a time when people grew up without their own personal computers. While there are many people who have adapted well to the use of technology, there are others that are still adjusting. Come to think of it, there are still some Gen Y people who may not know all there is to know about technology.

 

Start by taking a look at how your organization trains its workforce. One size no longer fits all. Computer based training may work well for the younger set while the more mature worker may do better with one-on-one training. Explain this to your managers and encourage them to choose the type of training that will work best based on the needs of their employees. This one small step can help eliminate the frustration that often escalates when one party wants to learn something and the other party believes that they should be able to figure it out themselves.

 

Standing on the corporate ladder-Many younger managers assume that everyone wants to go up a rung on the corporate ladder. This couldn’t be further than the truth. Many mature workers are happy coming in, doing their jobs and leaving at a decent hour so they can enjoy all that life has to offer.

 

There, now you have the secret formula. Now let's see what you do with it.

 

 

 

Why Can't These People Be Like Me?

The joke starts out like this, " Boomer: "Why won't these kids work 60 hours like me?" Gen Yer says "Sorry it takes you so long to get your work done." It would be funny, if it weren't so true. This was an actual Tweet on Twitter, but it could have come from anywhere. In fact, I hear this all the time.

I do a lot of work with companies to help them integrate the generations at work. This allows me an opportunity to have some great one-on-one conversations with their employees. Just about every time I speak with people who are Gen Yers (Millennials) they always say "Don't mistaken my ability to get my work done early as laziness." Now how can you argue with that one?

Okay, so many of you Boomers are holding your fingers in your lap so that you don't pound out something you'll later regret. Yes, I know we found more work to do. But let's admit it. We used to call that work "busy work." Why? Because it made us look busy. We had no idea why we were doing it nor did we see a point to it. We just did it.

I'm glad this generation isn't like us. And I'm also glad they can do many things in half the amount of time that it takes us Boomers to do things. It makes me hopeful that this generation may actually figure out a way to balance work and life. Then maybe we can all go home at 5:00 PM.

As Promised...

Earlier I promised to put up a photo of Taylor Swift's performance on The Today Show. So here it is. She represents the youth of this country in a very positive light. Paris Hilton could learn a few things from her.

  

It's Not Difficult to Stand Out in the Crowd

This past Thursday evening, my daughter and I dashed into NYC for one night so that I could take her to see the Taylor Swift Concert (Will post some pics shortly). At a friends suggestion, we stayed at the Roger Williams Hotel on Madison and 31st. Now some of you may be wondering who the heck is Roger and why haven't I heard of his hotel? I had the same reaction. But I trust my friend's recommendations and was even willing to bypass a less expensive hotel for our brief stay based on her feedback.

Everything about this hotel was exceptional. But most notable were the people who took care of us. There is no way their interactions could have been scripted. They were simply friendly and helpful. For example, I made a call to the front desk at 5:00 AM and requested two glasses of ice cold water be waiting for us as we departed. As we made our way to the front desk, we were handed two ice waters to go. Now even I hadn't thought to ask for the waters to go. But apparently the woman at the desk thought this would be most helpful since she knew we were in a hurry.

I don't believe I ever saw a manager while I was there. But that doesn't matter. Everyone knew their job and was focused on providing an exceptional experience for their guests. It is clear to me that this organization hires for fit. By that I mean, they hire people who possess strong interpersonal skills--service oriented individuals. You simply cannot train people to interact with your guests with this type of authenticity, if they don't have what it takes to be in this business.

When it comes to hiring, are you trying to square a circle? If so, then perhaps it is time for you to pay Roger a visit.

The True Meaning of Life Balance

Taylor Swift

My nine-year old daughter has been a huge fan of Taylor Swift, since she can remember. She was quite disappointed when recently we were unable to secure tickets for Taylor's performance at this year's Houston Livestock Rodeo. Seems like my daughter is part of a huge fan base. For those of you who are not familiar with her music, she's mostly country with some crossover thrown in to ensure she captures all the discretionary income of the tween set (and their parents!)

Somehow I managed to secure Fan Passes for this Friday's Taylor Swift Today Show Concert on the Plaza at Rockefeller Center. That means we have the pleasure of arriving at 5:45 AM for priority standing. "Priority Standing" sure sounds like an oxymoron to me. But hey, I'm going to be standing there right beside her making memories.

It's important to take time out of your life to be with your family and friends. The time goes so quickly. So look for us on Friday. My daughter will have a glazed look over her eyes and I will be the tired looking mom taking it all in.

What Hiring Assessments and Dating Services Have in Common

If I hear one more person ask for advice on what types of assessment tools to use in order to screen candidates out I will scream! Why on earth would you want to screen candidates out? It's like joining an expensive dating service and hoping that you don't meet your perfect match. This simply does not make sense to me.

Wouldn't a better approach be screening people in? It can be done. As long as you know what you are looking for. You then can assess candidates for fit, which is really what hiring is all about.

Don't believe me? Just ask my client who is still feeling the aftershocks that have rocked his organization after he terminated an executive he hired a few years back. Make sure this isn't your story.