From: bostonherald.com

Many older workers are being hired and managed by those half their age, with half their experience, education and track record. Understandably, this can prove daunting — even demoralizing — to those seasoned professionals who, for many reasons, are not retiring.

This creates issues.

In this country, while age evokes respect, one’s age at work does not denote entitlement. Moreover, millennials who have been reared and accustomed to entitlement at home need to understand that recognition and respect at work is earned.

Age bias may be real. However, one’s age does not define one’s ability, negate one’s work experience nor erode one’s dedication.

The only constant in life is change. Each new era begets a new way of thinking, and one day the under-30 group will face its own set of generational issues in reverse. Awareness and respect for each generation’s strengths and behavior will help nurture and advance collaborative, amicable relationships.

Although technically there are four distinct generations in the workforce today, the great divide appears between the oldest (boomer) and youngest (millennial) generations.

Strengths of boomers:

• ???Can share perspective regarding trends, cycles, company politics.

• ???Are more adept at interpersonal relationships.

• ???Can speak to “if I had it to do over” scenarios to help younger generations be more independent and have more fulfilling careers.

Strengths of millennials:

•?????????Come from diverse households/backgrounds and offer a wider lens to help envision change.

• Willing to take more risks, are extremely creative, entrepreneurial.

• May be able to offer different values and perspective toward work/life balance.

We are all unique and can learn much from each other. Here are some tips:

• ?Get to know the person without age prejudice.

• ????Be positive, open and collaborative.

• Learn each other’s strengths.

• Consider your image. Boomers: Take care of yourself; don’t look or talk “old.” Millennials: Some conformity is appreciated.

“We dwell on this planet together and might as well try harder to get along and show respect; don’t personalize different ways of doing things,” says aging expert Carolyn Rosenblatt.

The world is constantly changing. Natural order proposes each generation will surpass the previous generation.

Each of us has a responsibility to help bring out the best in each other ?regardless of age in order to achieve our goals in today’s fast-driven, multigenerational world.