Fri., April 27, 2012 5:45pm (EDT)

WORKING: Generational Conflict
By Joshua Stewart
Updated: 1 year ago

ATLANTA  —  
Brandon Smith says baby boomers and the millennial generation tend to get along fine in the workplace. The problems arise when members of generation X bump up against their older and younger colleagues. (Photo Courtesy of <a href=http://www.flickr.com/photos/lokner/4164251472/>Michael Lokner via Flickr</a>.)
Brandon Smith says baby boomers and the millennial generation tend to get along fine in the workplace. The problems arise when members of generation X bump up against their older and younger colleagues. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Lokner via Flickr.)
Conflict is natural in the workplace. The right kind of conflict can be useful, helping us do our best work and find the best ideas. But sometimes that conflict is generational: baby boomers work and think differently than younger people in generation X, and the have a different perspective from the so-called millennial generation.

This week, our workplace guru Brandon Smith talks about the potential sticking points and how to work through them.

Brandon Smith teaches about leadership, communication, and workplace culture at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. More of his advice is on his blog and at theworkplacetherapist.com. And while you’re there, ask him your workplace or career question. We might use your question on a future radio segment.