Each generation has its unique strength and specific style at work. Your ability to understand and work well with older and younger colleagues will help you to flex your communication style for greater impact and influence. Baby Boomers, for example, will show superior interpersonal skills in the workplace. They know the value and the art of building and maintaining strong business relationships. Generation X’s strength, on the other hand, combines tech savvy and workplace experience. This group is in the best position to relate to its previous and subsequent generation – it is quite possibly the glue to the entire generational system. The Millennials, who are 30 and under, will be quick to embrace and leverage new technology. They can bring critically-needed fresh perspectives and new ideas to every team or task.

As I discuss in my book, “Taking the Leap: Managing your career in turbulent times and beyond,” communicating well always works, no matter the age of the person on the receiving end. If you are genuinely interested in understanding and working well with your colleagues and you communicate that, you are half way there.

Be sure to invest time in establishing commonality with the other generations.

The generation you were born into may always define you in some ways, but it never has to limit you; respecting that about yourself and others will brand you as “generation-proof.”

How to understand, relate to, and motivate across the generational differences.

Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation Xers (born 1965-1980) and Millennials (born after 1980) come to the workplace with different experiences, skills, priorities, and expectations. Critically, that means often what motivates one generation couldn’t be more different than what motivates another.

Your success – whether as a leader, a team member or a consultant – is directly linked to your ability to motivate others. Although it’s impossible to draw neat boundaries along generational lines and unproductive to over generalize, we are each, in part, a product of our time. Use this generational knowledge, along with your instincts and your specific knowledge of those you work with, to better understand, relate to and motivate them.

Baby Boomers are often motivated by outward signs of success, such as titles, status within the organization and perks. For them, long hours and heavy travel schedules have always been accepted as part of the territory as long as they are helping them get up the next rung on the ladder. They are also motivated by a sense of purpose; and they are natural team players. For Baby Boomers, it’s about feeling appreciated and not feeling over the hill.

On the other hand, Generation Xers typically value work/life balance and freedom. Titles and perks mean little to them, unless they result in money in their pockets and lead to more flexibility. Create choices for Generation Xers, and give them immediate and meaningful rewards for their expertise and contributions.

And then there are the Millennials, who expect praise and promotions but are also looking for a lot of feedback, mentoring, training and a connection to a higher purpose through their work. Millenials enjoy and often prefer working in virtual teams rather than in person. They also don’t favor long hours, preferring to use technology to save time and finish their work in time for happy hour with their friends. Many would rather take advantage of E-learning opportunities than attend live seminars. Create an environment with structure, specific expecations and goals, along with a clear path to success for Millennials. Furthermore, they may respond well to your help to see the “higher good” in the work they do.

For all generations, smart leaders recognize the importance of a positive work environment which encourages fun. It helps every generation manage in good times and bad.

Like it or not, the golf outing is an important time to establish closer ties, strengthen rapport, and seal camaraderie and loyalty. Show respect for the game with these easy to follow basic rules:

Ensure your dress meets the code of the course you are playing. If you are unsure of the code, call the club you will be playing at. If you show up in unsuitable dress, you may be denied play.

If you are the host of your golfing group, you will want to arrive early to pay the bill at the Pro Shop before the game. It’s a good idea to arrange to meet at the putting green so early arrivals can practice putting. Let the pro know who is cart-partnering with whom, so that the carts can get prepared properly. Check the cart for towels, drinks, and extra score cards. Ensure your guests’ valuables are stored in lockers. And lastly, review the rules of the course with your guests. Your group is ready to get started!

As a guest, it’s important to be a good sport: don’t lie about your score. Don’t pretend to be a hot-shot golfer. Don’t practice your swing while someone is teeing off. Don’t comment on another player’s bad shot. Your cell phone should be turned off, unless you must receive an urgent call. If so, advise your golfing partners before you begin playing, and respond to your call discretely. Remember to play with courtesy and common sense so the game can be enjoyed by all.

At the end of the game, shake hands with your fellow players and thank them for their company. Thank your caddy and provide a tip, unless your host has taken care of this for the group. If so, thank your host for the courtesy. If you joined by invitation, follow up with a thank-you note to express your appreciation for your host’s time and generosity.

With that, I wish you a happy golfing season!

No need to shorten your summer holidays for an essential meeting at the office – just make it virtual! Even without your actual presence and involvement, you can still be your best PR person and be heard. Remember these basic common-sense rules for this great technology, to ensure your virtual presence is as impactful as can be:

- Vocal power wins: Project your voice to demonstrate authority, confidence and approachability.

- Always stand up when you speak. Your voice will be clearer and louder.

- Using hand gestures for voice projection and smiling for approachability will make your voice sound more welcoming.

- Have an agenda and ensure it includes opening “thank you” statements for the attending parties, and appreciation for those who helped setting up the meeting.

- Find the proper setting: a quiet room with no distractions is ideal. Video conferencing image quality has the same rules as television appearances: avoid patterns with plaids, large prints, herringbones and wide stripes.

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