The New York Times has some advice on how to bridge the generation gap at work, mostly by encouraging older workers to get up to speed, whether technologically or in other ways. The key, the article states, is not to try to look young or even to act it, but to be open to the fact that times have changed.
COMMENTS
Anne's comment tells me the generation she is from and explains the comments she made but does not explain the offense of why she feels the article is insulting. The article explains all generations must get along. Be open and not skeptical. Don't live in the past or you'll soon be heading that way. Sorry, but most of what I learned in school has never helped me and I'm not far behind Anne's age from my assumption. Learning is every day, on-the-job, out in the world, not so much the basics of pen and paper. it would be wise to get on board with technology. If it ever goes away, nothing lost and the basics will be forced to happen then. The generations need to work together not force the old on the new.
mkh 11/10/09 03:11 pm ET
This article is an insult to people who entered the government work force more than 20, 25, 30 and longer years ago. We have the knowledge, the expertise and age that is required to be, an effective civil servant. We entered as GS-02s, 03s and occassionaly, 05s. The people who were working there when we arrived, trained us how to be true Civil Servants. When we entered, there were no computers, fax machines, jet printers or color copier. We typed on a typewriter using, carbon copy paper and, if you made one error you had to tear up the whole package and re-start. It was mandatory that every Civil Servant learn to read, understand, and implment the Agency's Instructions, Directives, Notices, Correspondence Manuals and Filing System. This practic has fallen by the wayside but, it's the lack of this practic that has cause the lack of accountibility in the federal government. The new hires that enter the government workforce today, enter at the top of the workforce. Some of them have degrees but, they don't have a clue as to what the real requirements are for developing into a true, proud and responsibile Federal employee. It's the responsibility of the older worker to teach and train every new hire how to be an effective Federal employee. They have computers, cellphoned, blackberries, and every kind of electronic gadet one can think of but , those things are not what make the government operate smoother. What make the government operate smoother is devotion to the government cause. And, before one becomes devoted, one must spend time seeking, searching, learning and devouring the mechanics, the strategy and the mission of an agency. One must learn to carryout all of the government requirements using a pencil and paper first, then, you may begin using a computer. Yes, things have changed. But, not necessarily for the better. Entering the federal employment, is like opening a treasure chest. It's full of exciting adventures. It's great to serve the people of the United States of America!
Annie Courtney 11/10/09 10:42 am ET