Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?Examining leadership transition within the multi-generation workplace
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—George, Brad, Brianna, and Nate are connected by their jobs; the four of them make up the IT department at Handover Corporation. They also represent four distinct generations: The Silent Generation (1925-1942), Boomers (1943-1960), GenXers (1961-1981), and Millenials (1982-2002). They all have their own specialties, and when the day is done they go their separate ways—that is, until the company sends them on a white-water rafting trip to encourage team building. Surviving the rapids, they return to work to discover that their CEO is stepping down, sending the company into a tumultuous transition. They rely on the skills they just learned in order to survive and remain in the boat together.
This scenario serves as the plot of a unique new book, We’re in This Boat Together: Leadership Succession Between the Generations, by Camille Bishop, Ph.D. A career educator with thirty years of international teaching experience, Dr. Bishop knows exactly why the average business book fails to resonate with readers. “So many business books are full of great information, but they’re boring,” she comments. “I wanted to write something that was interesting and would grab people’s attention, but would also present good information.” The result is a business book that is as engaging as it is informative.
The transfer of power within an organization is rarely easy; however, in light of the looming economic crisis, more American companies have been forced to make difficult decisions regarding personnel. The face of leadership is changing in companies across America, and the stakes have never been higher. In light of these events, this book could not have been better timed.
“As diversity in the workplace increases, with four generations firmly represented, evidence indicates that there are differences in leadership behavior between the generations. And those dissimilarities create turbulence in the workplace like that found in white-water rapids,” Dr. Bishop points out. “But there is a way to navigate through them! We’re in this boat together, and diversity doesn’t have to mean disaster. In fact, appreciating diversity and learning the skills necessary to dialogue with one another can bring the generations together, allowing for tremendous unity and strength to tackle the white water of leadership succession.”
In a crowded business genre, this book is truly a standout from the rest, both in content and delivery. We’re in This Boat Together draws on three solid years of research and on Dr. Bishop’s own perspective as a Boomer who is constantly interacting with members of the other three generations, and she has crafted a cast of interesting and believable characters. As readers observe their interactions and eavesdrop on their mental processes, they will come to appreciate the distinctive strengths and weaknesses that each generation brings to the table.
This book was written to help leaders of all types of organizations—nonprofit agencies, small businesses, large corporations, law firms, clinics, schools, or churches—and those who teach about organizational development in a university setting. The principles in this book are relevant to any reader who can benefit from a greater understanding of others and a framework for dealing with change. In the wake of an historic and divisive election, that includes all of us.
We’re in This Boat Together: Leadership Succession Between the Generations by Camille Bishop, Ph.D.
Authentic Publishers - August 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1-934068-37-3/203 pages/softcover/$14.99
http://www.authenticbooks.com/
We're in this Boat Together: Leadership Succession Between the Generations by Camille F. Bishop is available at Amazon.com for only $10.35.
0 people think my kids are qtpies:
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