Comments on: Communicating with Older Co-Workers http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/communicating-with-older-co-workers/ The Personal and Professional Insights of a Struggling College Grad Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:34:46 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: ajlovesya http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/communicating-with-older-co-workers/#comment-159 ajlovesya Fri, 16 May 2008 21:43:57 +0000 http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/?p=64#comment-159 @Michael and Monica: You two are right...sometimes genuine interest and a sense of respect (for yourself and for them) goes a long way. We really arent so different from older employees that we can't at least listen to each other! @Michael and Monica: You two are right…sometimes genuine interest and a sense of respect (for yourself and for them) goes a long way. We really arent so different from older employees that we can’t at least listen to each other!

]]> By: monicarolevans http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/communicating-with-older-co-workers/#comment-158 monicarolevans Wed, 14 May 2008 19:12:36 +0000 http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/?p=64#comment-158 I have found that I am able to relate to older co-workers by treating them with the same respect and appreciation that I have for my mother and her friends. (I have a great relationship with my mother, btw) I've learned to be a good conversationalist and to be interested in what is going on in my co-workers lives, whether it is their children, their hobbies or their church. I often talk to them about their children and grandchildren (or their husbands or neighbors, lol). My co-workers respect my opinion because they see that I have a good head on my shoulders, but I also don't pull any punches and tell them exactly what I'm really thinking. I know I have worked harder becasue I am a younger person, and I think my co-workers respect me and the fact that I have proven myself to them :) I have found that I am able to relate to older co-workers by treating them with the same respect and appreciation that I have for my mother and her friends. (I have a great relationship with my mother, btw)
I’ve learned to be a good conversationalist and to be interested in what is going on in my co-workers lives, whether it is their children, their hobbies or their church.
I often talk to them about their children and grandchildren (or their husbands or neighbors, lol). My co-workers respect my opinion because they see that I have a good head on my shoulders, but I also don’t pull any punches and tell them exactly what I’m really thinking.
I know I have worked harder becasue I am a younger person, and I think my co-workers respect me and the fact that I have proven myself to them :)

]]> By: Michael Henreckson http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/communicating-with-older-co-workers/#comment-157 Michael Henreckson Wed, 14 May 2008 16:07:50 +0000 http://entrylevelliving.wordpress.com/?p=64#comment-157 Cross-generational relationships can definitely be interested. Sometimes I think we younger people scare the older ones just as much as they scare us. It varies from person to person, but some of our elders can be a little turned off if we act/dress/talk really young. Like you say, just proving that we're motivated and interested in learning can be huge steps towards getting their interest and trust. Once you get started it really can be great, and I for one take all the stories and advice I can get from more experienced people. Cross-generational relationships can definitely be interested. Sometimes I think we younger people scare the older ones just as much as they scare us. It varies from person to person, but some of our elders can be a little turned off if we act/dress/talk really young.

Like you say, just proving that we’re motivated and interested in learning can be huge steps towards getting their interest and trust. Once you get started it really can be great, and I for one take all the stories and advice I can get from more experienced people.

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