The dialog continues about the five generations in the work place and how each group possesses certain tendencies that set them apart. At times, the differences can cause unrest and friction in the office or factory. However, I believe the generations can learn from each other.

The one trait I admire the most is how the Millennials view camaraderie and collaboration as being critical to their success. They also value:

• Friendship
• Idea Sharing
• Trust
• A non-judgmental approach

Recently, I watched a group of Millennials work together for a week serving three meals a day and cleaning up for a group of 50. My observations suggested that they were happy to share responsibility and operate as a cohesive work group.

I also experienced this last year when I was interviewed for an article for a major university. The writer had several of her writer-friends review and edit the piece. I wondered if members of another generation would have done taken that approach.

Today, we have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from each other. And while each generation might view the world differently, we can all still join together to create a harmonious work and social environment.

Recently, Sara Lee’s CEO disclosed she had a stroke. The controversy is whether Brenda Barnes should have released this information sooner rather than later. We understand she has a commitment to the board of directors, her employees and stock holders because of her high profile status, but what should the average employee disclose?

It is important to be upfront if you have a long term illness especially if you know it will affect your ability to do the required work. But to be on the safe side, you might want to check with your HR department for guidance.

When disclosing personal health issues stick with the facts. Be careful not to put too much of an emotional burden on the person with whom you are sharing the information. Always thank them for their support. When you do this they will usually be more than willing to support you through a difficult time.

Civility is sometimes neglected due to the stress of work and life responsibilities. Sometimes we make comments that were never meant to be heard. We throw off looks that project dark thoughts.

I am always impressed when folks take the time to be sensitive to those around them. Here are some examples:

• Allowing someone with only a few items who is behind you at a checkout line, to go ahead of you.
• Letting a car in front of you who missed a parking spot, back up and try again.
• Working for a boss who takes over when you are on deadline but need to go home early because of a sick child.
• Smiling when someone gives you a stern look.
• Being offered money to make up the difference when you are at the checkout and discover you don’t have enough cash.
• Calling someone by an incorrect name and the way you are corrected is to be gently reminded of the actual name.

The reason I recognize sensitivity is because these experiences have happened to me.

What does it take to be a member of the C Suite?

This is a question that comes up quite often. There are number of best sellers on the market that claim they have the secrets. I should know because I probably own most of them!

Here are my top six critical attributes if you aspire to the C Suite:

1. Work smart and hard
2. Know you belong as a member of the C Suite
3. Speak in headlines
4. Look the part (body language, facial expressions and clothing)
5. Understand the audience
6. Manage up
7. Have a good sense of humor
8. Always be ethical
9. Treat famous people like they’re not
10. Treat not famous people like they are

Most importantly, possess the drive and passion for what you do. That element almost alone, will propel you into the C Suite.

Hearing loss is not only for the older person. Because of ear phones, cell phones and loud music, many folks are having difficulty hearing. So, here are some things to remember to make sure you can be heard when you are having a conversation with someone who may have a hearing problem:

Do:

• Chose quiet area to sit in
• Make sure you are facing the person you are speaking to
• Maintain eye contact
• Speak slowly and pause after each sentence
• Ask questions twice
• Let them know when you are going to change the subject

Don’t:

• Sit near a door or near an entrance
• Shout at the person
• Turn your head away before you finish your sentence
• Change the subject without warning
• Be impatient when they cannot hear you
• Speak while they are speaking

If you follow these guidelines, communication problems will be minimized and conversations will flow easier.

It has been determined the growth of business in the U.S. will come from small businesses. As an owner of a small business one of the challenges I face is rejection. This is especially acute when I’ve worked hard to put together a proposal or responded to a casual inquiry from the internet.

No matter how long I’m at this, it is still hard when I don’t hear from people after they have promised a call. We take it harder because our reach for clients is not the same as a large corporation.

However, when we are the person doing the rejecting –do we make that call? If so, how do we to tell them we have hired another person? More often than not, we do the same to these folks that we don’t like being done to us.

So, I have made it a practice that once I realize that I will not be hiring a person I call them immediately. I thank them for the time they have spent learning about my needs.

I also mention that in the future if I know of someone who might use their services, I will mention their name. It has happened that I have given a vendor’s name that I didn’t use but that was a potential fit for another.

It is much more professional to be up front than not to call or e-mail at all.

How many times have you seen someone roll their eyes? They could be answering a question to you directly or answering a question in front of the audience. A Google search for “rolling eyes meaning” yielded 457,000 hits

Here are some of the writings from the internet:

• An expression of dismay or exasperation: actually or metaphorically moving one’s eyes to follow along an imaginary line of vision through the extreme range of the eyeball on the periphery of vision above the horizontal, from right to left or left to right.

• Idiom: If you roll your eyes, you show with your eyes that you don’t believe someone or aren’t interested in what they’re saying.

• Rolling your eyes is considered rude because it is a gesture saying you’ve got to be kidding or is she even thinking? It’s kind of like if you were talking and I let out a big sigh.

• It shows that you’re not interested in what they have to say. It’s equal to flipping someone off.

So, what do you do when you need to answer a question that may seem ridiculous or redundant because you just answered it? The best solution to prevent your eyes from rolling is to look the questioner in the eye, repeat the question and answer with a smile. You never want to be accused of rolling eyes.

The biggest challenge for a newly formed team is understanding each other’s communication styles. Some prefer conversations over the phone. Some choose e-mail. Some like immediate responses, even if it is not urgent. The best way to be on the same page communication wise, is to produce guidelines. Here are some tips to help begin the process:

Team Leader heading:

Operating Tips for Working with _________ on My Team

As I assume ___________, I want to ensure smooth and effective communication by sharing my operating style with you and learning about yours. By honoring each other’s styles, we will create an excellent team.

• Spell out the business protocols (example: always come to me first with a problem and if you cannot reach me do this) __________________.
• Best to reach me using _______________________________________.
• I will respond to you by ________________ within __________ time.

Team Member heading:

How I Like to Communicate as a Member of ___________Team

This questionnaire is designed to enable you to share your preferred operating methods with me so we can ensure efficient and effective communication. Please complete this survey and return it to me by _________ via e-mail:

• My preferred method of communication is via __________________.

• If an issue needs immediate attention, call me at _________________.

• In case of an emergency, contact me via __________ and expect an answer from me within __________________________________.

When you layout communication preferences for all to see like this, it will definitely make information exchanges less stressful, helping to ensure a successful team.

In Google, 904,000 entries for pen writing instruments came up in 0.20 seconds.

As stated on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pen (Latin pinna, feather), a pen is a long, thin, rounded device used to apply ink to a surface for the purpose of writing, usually on paper. There are several different types including ballpoint, rollerball, fountain, and felt-tip. Historically, reed, quill and dip pens were used. Modern-day pens come in a variety of colors and sizes. The most common ones write in black or blue ink.

With Apple’s I Tablet, I Pod and various PDAs, is the pen losing ground? I believe it is not. When you write a letter or sign a note, a good pen, when it is the right shape, weight and balance for your hand, will always be more elegant then sending or taking a note via any electronic instrument.

In today’s professional world, it is protocol to remember men and women are created equal. Here are some etiquette tips to clarify any misunderstandings:

• Whoever gets there first, opens the traditional door or goes through the revolving one.
• In speaking with a restaurant hostess the same rules apply. Whoever gets there first when securing a table for lunch or dinner verifies the reservation.
• Men are not required to help a women into her chair(the waiter will do this).
• Whoever is the highest ranking person in the room, he or she is introduced first.
• A man or woman can help each other with their coats. Whoever has a free hand, assists.

However, some common courtesies never go out of style. If a woman drops something it is nice for the man to pick it up.

Remembering these few protocols will remind you, that in the business world, all sexes are equal.