THE MESSAGE:
A BRIEF, SEMI-MODERN HISTORY
In the 1960s, the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War exposed a more serious chasm between young and old.
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| THE GENERATION GAP BAND |
A popular rally cry among College students was " Don't trust anyone over thirty!"
Music has always been a vastly important factor in healing any breech. The 'British Invasion' led by the 'Beatles' and The Rolling Stones, North American performers like Elvis, The Kingston Trio, Bob Dylan, The Supremes, Buddy Holly and The Mamas and Papas, to name a few, introduced a new era to the world of music.
The seventies and eighties stressed music that made it even easier to bridge the gaps in music appreciation. Examples include the music of Michael Jackson, Queen, The Carpenters, Peter Paul and Mary and ABBA. Lovers of Heavy Metal Rock certainly existed but, it seemed much easier to adapt to each others styles.
With the advent of television, movies, mass media and computers, young people were exposed to cultural influences often alien to their own families and cultures. Today, although more Canadians and citizens of the free world are exposed to generational differences, most of us do not see these differences as divisive in nature. The top areas of disagreement between young and old, seem to occur in the areas of technology, politics, work ethic and religious zeal.
LARGE DIFFERENCES BUT LITTLE DIVISION
If large differences between the generations exist, why don't they spawn conflict? The answer is depends on where you look. Today's technology issues are generally less emotionally charged than political issues. The older generation is likely to be very proud of the younger generation's prowess in technology rather than to view it as a problem.
According to recent studies, all generations regarded older ones as superior in moral values, work ethic and respect for others; while the younger generation was seen as superior when it came to technology and tolerance for different races and groups.
THE PRESENT GENERATIONS
It is important to understand that the present generations have a new responsibility to the Common Era. The social political climate of the world in which we live in has changed. All of us must rearrange our ways of thinking, so that we can all be on the same page. The older generations certainly have different views and personalities; however, different doesn't always mean wrong. Years of wisdom and exposure are values to share.
WHO IS TO RESPONSIBLE?
Younger generations may not always be ready to listen; however, some of the best lessons are learned through personal experience. Such personal experiences between generations cannot be ignored. Therefore, for the sake harmony and progress, we must agree to disagree in any argument and move forward with mutual respect.
Today's “Millennials” are categorized as technologically savvy and lazy, having been burned-out by growing up in a world of violence. In other words, they are narcissistic, social media obsessed and spoiled.
A 2013 TIME magazine article referred to Millennials as “The Me Me Me Generation.” They are wrapped up in themselves, perhaps, but who is to blame when they are only trying to fit in to the present reality? This generation and those generations to come, must gain an understanding and appreciation of past philosophy in order to effectively fill the gap.
The inevitable will always prevail: we are forced to adapt to an ever changing society. The only thing that makes any sense is continue to live while continuing to learn. Try not to become an overbearing judge. When an opportunity arises to enlighten others to our social reality, do so with respect.
BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP WITH THESE CONCEPTS:
- Understand the factors that influence each generation
- Appreciate what each generation brings to the workplace
- Leverage generational strengths to build stronger teams
- Facilitate more effective communication with and among different generations
- Motivate each generation to excel by understanding and utilizing their primary motivators
- Promote greater cooperation and synergy among generations
- Create an inclusive environment that respects generational differences
THE QUESTION:
Should the above bridging concepts be a compulsory course of study for all CEO's?
THE LEMON:
Awarded to Gilbert LaBine, Canada’s 'Father of Uranium' and employer of a band of unceasing braggarts. He opened the Gunnar Uranium Mine in Saskatchewan and receives the lemon for not closing the site approximately five years earlier than the actual closing in 1963.
THE QUOTE:
“You have to know the past to understand the present.” Dr. Carl Sagan,
THE CLIP:
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