Browsing by Author "Wiethoff, Carolyn"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Management Basics: Managing Generation X
    (H.W. Wilson Company, 2004) Wiethoff, Carolyn
    Today’s workforce is dominated by two generations: “Baby Boomers”(“Boomers”), born between 1946 and 1964, and “Generation X” (“Gen Xers” or “Baby Busters”), born roughly between 1965 and 1979. A third generation is beginning to enter the workforce: Generation Y (“Nexters” or “The Internet Generation” or “The Echo Boomers”), the eldest of whom just turned 24(Rodriguez, Green & Ree, 2003). As is somewhat typical of intergenerational groups, there have been substantive misunderstandings between Boomers, Gen Xers, and Gen Yers. Gen Xers have been called everything from slackers to disloyal, from dumb to just plain bad (O’Bannon, 2001). Gen Yers, often called the “MTV Generation,” are portrayed with tattoos and multiple body piercings in most media outlets (Paul, 2001). On the other hand, Gen Xers categorize Boomers as managers that ignore ideas from employees, provide inconsistent or no feedback or recognition when it is due, and adopt “do it because I said so” management (Zemke, Raines & Filipczak, 2000). The failure to recognize and acknowledge differences between Boomers, Gen Xers, and Gen Yers can result in miscommunication, misunderstandings, and harsh feelings, creating dysfunctional supervisor-employee relationships. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into Generation X and Generation Y in order to help Boomers understand their younger colleagues.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Management Basics: Trust: The Glue That Holds Partnerships Together
    (H.W. Wilson Company, 2004) Wiethoff, Carolyn
    The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him. Henry Stimson (1867 - 1950) Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence. Democritus (460 BC - 370 BC) Trust, or “an individual’s belief in, and willingness to act on the basis of, the words, actions, and decisions of another”, is one of the most important components of partnerships. Without it, groups experience suspicion, defensiveness, and harmful conflict. With it, partnerships can thrive as people comfortably come together to collaborate and share ideas openly. An understanding of trust—what it is, how it develops, and how it can be repaired—is important for anyone planning to partner with others.