Working with Veterans and Boomers

Corporate culture and the ability to get along with your co-workers is vital. The workforce is getting older, the young professional must learn how to interact with older co-workers. The fact is most middle and upper managers are boomers and veterans, who aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

To get on the good side of Veterans (born before 1946) at work, be sure to compliment their work and ask questions about their experience. Veterans enjoy talking about the past and mentoring young co-workers with a good work ethic. You can impress veterans by working hard for the ‘greater good of the company.” If you have only been with the organization for 6 months to a year, a veteran is not who you want to ask for a raise!

To get on the good side of boomers, compliment them on the hair, clothing, or style in general. Boomers still think they are young; so, it is important that they feel a part of the group. Ask questions that will allow them to talk about themselves. If you need to request money from a boomer for a project expense, be sure to show the value added.

In both cases, it is important for the young professional to understand the need for older co-workers to see your talents, skills, and experience before they notice your age. Be assertive but not aggressive. Older people have a tendency to compare you to the young people in their lives or neighborhood. This can be a gift as well as a curse! The key is to find some common ground on which to build working relationships and keep the focus on getting the work done, not on judging or measuring each other.

(From Bridging the Generation Gap – Dr. Mimi Hull)