Dr. Laura Hills discusses her Blue Pencil Institute and how we can work and network in multi-generational environments
Working and networking in a multi-generational environment can pose unique challenges and create stress for career professionals of any age. That’s because a great many of us are familiar with our own perspectives and experiences in life and in work but lack an unbiased understanding about generational differences. This in turn can lead to misunderstandings, harsh judgments, assumptions, and conflicts within the working and networking relationships. Unfortunately, multi-generational relationship problems are often compounded when they lead to lower productivity, poor morale, resentment, feelings of superiority, and ultimately, increased turnover in organizations and lost opportunities.
Today’s workforce runs the gamut from older adults who lived through World War II to younger people who can’t remember life before the Internet. Four generations work and network side by side, elbow to elbow, but often do not understand one another. The pressures we all face day-to-day prompt many of us to harbor strong hostilities toward those in other age groups and to look to blame those who are older or younger than we are. Yet, each generation has its merits and strengths. Each has a different view of and approach to communication. And each has a great deal to contribute.
Our guest on The LaKesha Womack Show today is Dr. Laura Hills, president of Blue Pencil Institute, a personal and professional development firm in Fairfax, Virginia that offers educational programs, products, and coaching. Blue Pencil Institute envisions a world where career professionals are fulfilled, rewarded, and enthusiastic about what they do so that they live and work with purpose and passion. Dr. Hills focuses a great deal of her work on communication and relationship-building skills and has written and spoken extensively on the topic of the multi-generational workforce. She holds a doctorate in higher education with a focus on adult learning and leadership.
Listen to our conversation live on Wednesday, March 28 by logging in at http://blogtalkradio.com/lakeshawomack or call from your phone at 646.929.2031 (ask to speak with the host if you have questions and/or comments).
Get to know Dr. Laura Hills and join her network…
Dr. Laura Hills marries personal and professional development to help career professionals who are not satisfied with where they are and who want more. She helps her clients figure out how they can feel more fulfilled, rewarded, and enthusiastic about what they do so they are able to live and work with purpose and passion. Dr. Hills is an engaging author, speaker, and coach and is well-known for her lively and experiential programs and her no-nonsense, how-to-do-it, do-it-now style of delivery. She has accomplished many things over a distinguished 30-year career but defines herself first and foremost as an educator. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia and is the president of Blue Pencil Institute.
Website: www.bluepencilinstitute.com
Facebook: Blue Pencil Institute
Twitter: @DrLauraHills
LinkedIn: Dr. Laura Hills
Email: LHills@bluepencilinstitute.com
JMPM, Multi Generational Staff, June 2010 (click to download article)
