Next Generation Next Destination

A SNOW DAY PERSPECTIVE

Most of the U.S. has been experiencing some kind of bad weather this dreary winter. Despite ominous forecasts, New York hasn't had much snow until today. Right now it's still beautifully white, fresh, a soft blanket that brings to mind sleeping in, sledding in the park, or in my husband's case, watching Team USA clobber Finland in the Winter Olympics. (That's a change from the new hot sport, curling.)

Against my first inclination, I didn't sleep in. Instead  I spent time rescheduling meetings, working on next week's events and blog posts (more substantive than this one) and requested speaking topics on generational issues. I am no doubt grateful that there was less e-mail than on a normal weekday, a slight relief, but still a time-sucker.

For people who had to be traveling, the disruption is frustrating or worse. But for others, the forced slowing down should be enjoyed. Since most knowledge workers these days have enough electronics at home to be able to work when they need to if not fully stocked offices, it may be a welcomed mind-shift for a day. Gen Y/Millennials never knew a time when it was otherwise.

Take time to be in the moment. Maybe it's nice to know there are things we can't control and go with the flow.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot    www.pdcounsel.com

HOW HAVE YOUR PRIORITIES CHANGED?

Whatever generational cohort you fall into, there has been virtually no escaping the current worldwide economic crisis. Those lucky enough not to have lost their jobs or lucky enough to have gotten jobs to start their careers still are likely to face increased tension and greater pressure to produce in the workplace. People who might have been planning to retire in the next five years are re-thinking that decision. Younger people who thought they had limitless options and could jump from place to place if things were not to their liking are learning what older generations have seen before in economic downturns - but in spades!

As  a congenital optimist (but one who doesn't like being disappointed), I am staying upbeat and believing that there are opportunities, albeit probably different ones. I've even started the Optimists' Tribe which has attracted an overwhelming response.

But, not being delusionary, I am re-thinking my priorities. What about you? Given the current economic crisis:

*   How have your priorities changed? Or have they not changed?

*   How has your life changed? Or not?

*   What positive changes do you see (e.g., in people's values, opportunity for workplace restructuring, more authenticity, transparency, whatever....)?

Please comment and share your thoughts. Thanks!!

Phyllis Weiss Haserot      www.pdcounsel.com

THANKSGIVING CARRIED FORWARD

As I get ready to host Thanksgiving dinner, I am thinking again of what I am thankful for. When my son was younger, he and I used to write our lists of things we are thankful for and share that at the table. Now everyone (family and friends) just comes and eats.

So I'll write a few things here that are on my list this year. I am thankful and grateful for family and friends, of course; that I have the opportunity to interact with extraordinary, original and open-minded people; that I can use my creativity and intellect for new solutions to the challenges I see developing; that I and my fellow Boomers have the energy and desire to keep contributing and achieving; and that though each succeeding generation seems to be more of a "me" generation than the last one, the young people are serious about trying to make the world and the workplace a better place - for all of us.

As an optimist who doesn't like being disappointed (though it happens frequently enough), this bodes  well for constructive succession planning and transitioning.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot   www.pdcounsel.com