THE BIG LIFE QUESTIONS THROUGH THE EYES OF FOUR GENERATIONS

Four different generations coexisting in the work place, four different cosmo-theories regarding expectations, safety zones and values which are at the heart of cultural clashes between generations.

Generational perspectives form because many of our most powerful and lasting beliefs are shaped when we are teenagers, when we first shift our focus from tangible objects and begin to wrestle with the values and ideas in the world around us. What we see and hear – and the conclusions we draw- influence for our lifetimes what we value, how we measure success, whom we trust, and the priorities we set for our own lives, including the role work will play within it. Because members of a generation share some (but not, of course, all) of the same experiences, they tend to form some common perspectives.

As a result, events in the workplace are often interpreted differently by individuals in different generations. What may seem like good news to a Boomer might well be an unsettling and unwelcome development to a member of Generation X. Things that members of Gen Y love often seem unappealing or frivolous to those in older generations.

It is true that there have always been generational gaps, but today we face a generational BREAK in basic human fundamentals unlike any seen before while it’s increasingly important to create a culture that is welcoming and engaging for talented individuals of all ages.

This Forum aims to provide insights on how to understand what the real generational break; how it is changing our very understanding of relationships, society, and self, and what that means for the future of individuals, organizations and communities. It will also offer practical strategies and actionable insights so that audiences of all ages will better understand each other and find ways to bridge this gap.