The Ringmaster And Managing Different Ages In The Workplace

I came across an article in Ladies Home Journal (I was in a doctor's office and needed something to read) that gives a good overview of understanding the multiple generations that are now in the workplace. Carol Mithers article got my attention with the overview that reads:

In offices around the country, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers are trying to figure out how to get along. Sure, they all feel lucky to have a job in a bad economy, but that doesn't make the culture clash any easier.

Click here to see the article.

Quote about Confidence

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

While I do meet many ringmasters who have a solid sense of passion and purpose, I also meet a significant number of people who are less than excited about the direction of their circus. It's frustrating because they have so much to offer their company, their family and others around them.

Sadly, the root cause is often a lack of confidence. They haven't had enough individuals in their circus clapping and cheering them on in their performance. They haven't been reminded of how important they are to an organization, family or community. They have allowed the perceptions and callousness of others to diminish their determination, purpose and success.

If you are one of those people, remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt. If you know some individuals suffering with an inferiority complex, make this the day you encourage them and remind them how important they and their talents and skills are to you, your organization and in the circus of others.

Excuse Me Mr. (or Mrs.) Ringmaster

Imagine a circus where the ringmaster is about to introduce an act and someone runs to them and says, "Did you know that they have fresh popcorn at the concession stand?" Or think about a circus where the trapeze act is interrupted by someone who wants to discuss the day's events with a member of the team. It would be frustrating to all involved.

That's my experience with more than a few people the last couple of weeks. I may not be the best conversationalist but I do think I am at least a trite interesting. I always try and get to know the other person and find out interesting things about them. Several times recently, however, I have been in conversation with someone only to have to pause while they read (and often responded to) a text on their phone. Often they did it multiple times. Most of the time I would just end the conversation and move on.

For those who text often, here are a few thoughts on "texting etiquette:"

• If you want to have a quality real-time conversation with someone, turn the phone off.
• If you are expecting an important text (family emergency or job offer), tell the other person the first time it beeps, buzzes or vibrates. That way they aren't offended when your phone keeps interrupting the conversation.
• If you must read and respond to the text, say "I apologize. Excuse me for just a moment while I take care of this." Then take care of it as quickly as possible, turn the phone off, return to the conversation and apologize again. Enjoy the benefits of a quality conversation that actually takes place in complete sentences.
• If at all possible, refrain from texting during a conversation at all-it's just rude.

Excellent Quote For A Monday

A loving person lives in a loving world.

A hostile person lives in a hostile world.

Everyone you meet is your mirror.

-Ken Keyes Jr.

Outside The Tent

As full holiday mode quickly approaches, you may be "wishing" things were different. You wish you could offer more gifts to your family. You wish you could have a bigger holiday celebration at work. You wish you could give those around you some uplifting news in these uncertain times. In circus terms, you are "outside the tent." Dwelling on these wishes distracts you from the performance that needs to be completed-Now!

The next time you catch yourself "wishing" ask yourself, "But what can I do now?" Some examples might be:

• Give your family the gift of quality time. Turn off your mobile phone, let the answering machine get any incoming calls, refrain from checking e mails and spend your time mentally and physically focused on them.
• For your employees, take a more personal approach. If you work in a small department, take two or three people to lunch each day. Engage them in enjoyable conversation where you can give them your undivided attention. Reflect on their achievements during the year. Celebrate them.

Knute Rockne, one of the greatest football coaches of the 20th century, had a quote we would all do well to remember when we are "wishing:"

Do not let what you can not do get in the way of what you CAN do.