Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/92325
Errors continued conversation focused entirely on the gay lifestyle of her pred- ecessor. Another excluded a sales rep who constantly called her "dear. " Although there is an obvious discomfort among some when the subject of diversity is raised, those who want to be successful in selling to the new generation accept that they must close the generation gap. They recognize that English is a dynamic language and changes with every generation. Some words and phrases are out-of-date and have been replaced with the language of the new millennium. They accept that if they don't want to be viewed as "old" they can- not talk "old. " They also know that the newest generation in the work- force is savvy with technology and wants the latest elec- tronic gadgets and equipment. These Stone Agers communi- cate by email and text message because they know it is the communication method of choice among the newest gener- ation. They have participated in the process to go paperless and they are comfortable going to work armed only with a Smartphone and a tablet – the same tools their children and grandchildren are using. They never disparage those who leave the office without a bulging briefcase because they know that the new generation has a flash drive in their pock- et that holds the equivalent of 12 file cabinets. Those who discount the importance of generational differences will be disappointed they have not kept up with the fascinating new generation of employees who have joined the workforce in the past 10 years and are moving into decision-making roles. They will also regret they did not keep a positive and mod- ern presence on the web for themselves and their compa- nies, which sends the message that the whole company is up- to-date. That presence attracts achievers. It is expensive to be out-of-date. Business people understand that some business challenges are outside their control, but it is possible to protect their profit through sound business practices. They also know they can expand their business relationships through their own efforts to close the generation gap. If you are 55 and your 28- year-old employee says, "Our boss is a baller, that you are cool! u " you will know About the Author ©This article was prepared by Management Consultant Nancye Combs and does not replace the services of a com- petent legal advisor and is not specific to the laws of any specific state. Combs has more than 40 years of practical experience in human resources and organizational manage- ment, and is a recognized expert in employment practices. She speaks, writes, and offers expert testimony on employ- ment issues. She is also a University instructor on Human Resources topics. To reach her, call HR Enterpise Inc. (502- 896-0503) or email her at nancyecombs@aol.com. STONE HEARTH & SPECIALTY Commercial Cooking Equipment Discover why over 10,000 ovens, rotisseries, charbroilers, tandoors, and planchas have been sold in 75+ countries around the world. woodstone-corp.com info@woodstone-corp.com tf !""#$%!!&!'"($)$t (360) 650-1111 5 6 B 6 $ ? (+-'C & ? ?$ ? ( & & C <*04$?&*%-@&$ -,&+? <*04$?&*%-@&$ -,&+? &=A&*-&'@& !"#$%!&$'!( )&$*%+ !"#$%&'()*+$,*-%&$.$/00,1)*23$4'$""5 " 6778! 68##9!$.$:"58;!786667$<+= ///>?&*%-@&-,&+?>@04 ,- ?D/+?D&* ?+< & November/December 201 2 63