I used the be the youngest in my work groups. In the late 90s, I was surrounded by Baby Boomer co-workers. I blinked and time zipped by, and now, I'm sandwiched between the Boomers and the Millennials. And their work and lifestyles are very different (even from my own GenX ones). Not everyone in each group fits nicely or neatly into the labeled wrappers. I'm a Gen-Xer, but during most of my working life, I've been mentored or supervised by Boomers, so I've taken on some of their characteristics. (Work starts at 8:30 AM, and I want to see you at your desk. How could you possible get work done at Starbucks?). I have two folks that I work closely with who are GenX by age, but they relate better to the techno-savvy Millennials. (I can't believe you turn off your cell phone! I can't believe that you don't text.)

Technology and times have changed. (They change frequently. It's not going to wait for you to catch up. And not all change is bad. I don't ever want to type footnotes on a typewriter again. I don't ever want to use footnotes or a typewriter for that matter.) All of the generations are going to have to be aware of each other if we're going to be productive.

Here are some of my observations about generational behavior (conscious or unconscious) that causes conflicts with the other groups. Some of these are work-related, and other are strictly social.

1. I attended a special meeting for 300+ people that started promptly at 9:00 AM. It had been on everyone's calendar for weeks, and everyone received a reminder the day before. Between 9:15 and 9:20, at least ten folks strolled in and proceeded to disrupt as they moved to seats in the middle of long rows. (Granted, the early birds should move to the middle, but they didn't.) The same thing always happens at church, movies, and concerts. If you have to be late (real emergencies only), don't make it noticeable that you're late for corporate events. Stand in the back or look for a seat near the end of an aisle.

2. When you're invited to a team meeting (no matter how boring), you are there to observe and contribute. Show up prepared. Have something to take notes with (phone, iPad, or old school paper and pen). Don't text, check your messages, or Tweet. If you have an emergency call, step outside to take it (without disrupting the meeting).

3. If you happen to arrive late for a meeting, don't expect the group to rehash what they've already covered. Catch up on your own time.

4. If you know in advance that you have to arrive late or leave early, let the facilitator or host know.

5. If you've been invited to something, and you can't attend, let the host know. If you said that you're attending, do. Don't just not show up because something better came along. RSVP means to let the inviter know if you're attending or not. If you don't respond, don't just show up. Also, if you alone were invited, don't show up with your six friends or kids. People have to plan room accommodations and food. Recently, my niece was invited to another child's birthday party. Fifteen friends had been invited, and most said they were coming. My niece was the only child who showed. If you have an emergency, call or email. How would you feel if only one person showed up at your party?

6. If you're in a public place, silence your phone.

7. If you have a personal cell phone at work, find out what the company policy is. Occasionaly, there are calls that you have to take. Just remember, that it is noticed when you're always in the hall on a personal call or texting to friends.

8. Be prepared for meetings. Look at your calendar ahead of time and know what's coming up. Make sure that you have documents or information needed. If you have to provide updates, be prepared.

9. Communicate with your coworkers. You're not always in the same building (or these days, not even the same hemisphere).  If I don't hear from you, and I'm waiting for you to complete a task, I don't know if you're out sick, didn't do it, or are still working on it. If you hit snags, communicate so that schedules can be changed or issues escalated. Emails or texts are often misinterpreted, and it makes the situation worse. Many times, I've had to work with other co-workers to resolve an issue, and it all started because one sent an email and didn't get a response. It's not a game of tag. If you need something, you need to follow up (may be in more ways than just email). And if you're doing something for someone, you need to keep them updated on the progress (or lack of progress).

10. If you text frequently and are used to the jargon, don't assume everyone is. Abbreviations and slang are fine for some settings, but not for others. If your reader doesn't know what you're saying, you didn't communicate well. (We have Boomers who have to Google text-speak because they have no idea what's being said.) Know your audience and know what type is appropriate for what task.

Let me know your thoughts on generational stuff. Is it apparent in your work place? Have a great weekend!