If we, the multi-generational workforce, take our cue about service and workplace relationships from the Christmas Dinner table, we are in trouble! Have you noticed? Yep, we are in trouble.

I. Christmas Dinner: Aunt Matilda, WWII generation sits and smiles as she gets condescending pats and smiles as family members walk by her, always on the way to somewhere else. After all, at 83 she has lost a sense of reality and meaningful conversations
Workplace: Amanda Greeley – baby boomer about to retire who is now merely “marking time” until pension time; yet, if she could figure out how to have a conversation with the Generation X or Y’ers, she could save them some trouble. Ah, waste of time, just keep smiling, nodding.

II. Christmas Dinner: Uncle Harvey, the quintessential “blowhard” gets a handshake from family members and “the brush-off.” After all, the “shiny one” never shuts up – no point in trying to get into a meaningful conversation.
Workplace: Rob Wonder – Generation X sales person believes sales is the sole reason for the company’s success. Too bad operations and administration can’t be “cool.” I am a star.

III. Christmas Dinner: Grandpa Larry, a distinguished, serious-minded businessman rocks in the corner to the cadence of his complaints about everything. Nothing is quite right and he can suggest multiple fixes… “Move on” to the dessert table, the football game on television, or other more worthy pursuits.
Workplace: Marietta Marion, constant complainer and whiner who never has a positive thing to say about anything. In fact, the person even complains about how others complain, you know, “others” being customers who are morons and should not be complaining. You have to put up with customers but it is hard.

IV. Christmas Dinner: Cory and Carry, toddlers sit separately, too young to be of any adult consequence. Watching them play and giggling at their antics is good for about a 5 minute diversion. Then they go down for a nap calling to each other between bedrooms until they drifted off to sleep. No need for text messaging; they have clear communication.
Workplace: Jack and Jill, new employees have little to offer. They don’t have a clue how we do things around here. Tolerate them for now and watch them as a source of mirth when they trip, stumble or fall over their exuberant naivete. They will dull down in time.
Strategies for a Merrier Multi-Generational Workplace
Little do we connect to the fact our holiday festivities and over-indulgences are a reflection of what we call the “daily grind” for the workdays of the year. We need to know why we are moved to “over-relief.”
Yes, Virginia, we battle workplace turf wars, insatiable greed, empty suits, meaningless conversations, less than honest feedback, miscommunication, stress-related headaches, heartaches, strokes, addictive behaviors – not to mention, poor attendance, frantic early retirement at the first possible moment, short-term loyalty…
What if we in the workforce began relating StrengthBank® to StrengthBank® – you know, actually coming to work and becoming engaged with each other in mutual passion for the work itself instead of “get ‘em before they get me” or ”‘good enoough‘ will keep my job”. “The next thing”- for better workplace productivity results: StrengthBank®!

Peace on earth begins with peace in the workplace nurtured by StrengthBank® strategies and stretches to all we serve and all who serve us.

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