Testimonials
In their words...This is a great book for identifying each generation, how they interact at work, and how to increase understanding of generational challenges that arrive when you have 5 distinct generations working together. The book is broken down into 10 separate sections that could easily be integrated into group discussions or used for a deeper audit of how a company is approaching the inherent challenges from technology to marketing to business succession.
This book, 10 Answer Keys, Communicating with the 5 Generations in the Workplace is very enlightening about five generations: Traditionalist, Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z. It conveys information about how to understand, manage, communicate and build meaningful relationships between these generations in the workplace. It defines each generation in areas such as communication, work ethic, time management, conflict resolutions, management, leadership, technology, buying styles, marketing, advertising, and values and visions. Mary and Meredith made this book entertaining, interesting and easy to follow. They definitely inspire me to look at each generation in a positive, enriching and unique way, and that each generation contributes to the workplace and the world. I believe everyone can appreciate and be enlightened after reading this book. In today’s changing environment, this is a book that every organization and employee should have on hand.
Over the years, using them as consultants and participating in their “E Group”, I have been able to bring sensitive issues and topics to the table and leave with ideas and tools to successfully deal with issues before they become problems. While both are appropriately analytical, Michael and Mary approach an issue from different perspectives. These blended perspectives create holistic and creative advice and solutions- advice and solutions that help me tackle sometimes thorny issues.
E Group lets business owners connect with other business owners. I find that many times I am on an island and I need insight from other small business owners that are facing many of the same day-to-day problems I am. It has been valuable to me to not only get insight on a variety of small business growth issues, but also to be able to help the other owners in the group as they run into issues that I may have experience in solving. The group is goal oriented and the coaching sessions help establish goals in a structured way that can be monitored and reviewed. When we meet in the group, there is some accountability to achieving the goals. If you are not reaching them, then we can dig deeper into what the problem is. Are the goals too big or not important enough? Maybe, it is even the wrong goal!
The E Group and coaching were hugely helpful to me. At that time I was in the process of starting a group private practice after ten years as a psychotherapist in my own solo private practice. The E Group entrepreneurs gave me wonderful ideas and resources and helped me look at issues I hadn’t thought to consider. Michael and Mary asked questions that were probing, clarifying, and insightful, and they kept me accountable with their coaching. And here’s the result: the group practice began with five therapists and grew to ten therapists in the first year – and made money! I highly recommend the E Group experience.
I felt isolated for over a decade, my small business running almost completely on my steam. You know the feeling, I’m sure. But connecting and working with Entrepreneurs Group has played an important role in allowing me to see that I can change this, I can share in the successes and the failures with my team. They inspired me to set goals, be responsible for them, allow the process to drive my business. Instead of the other way around. Mary Erlain is a great business consultant with high integrity and personality. She will be an asset to any business who is using her services. She will work with you and show you how to find good prospects, sell your services and keep your customers.
Growing up as a Boomer (1946 – 1964) I was always aware of the so-called “Generation Gap.” While I am happy to report that I don’t feel that it exists anymore there are still differences that we all need to consider. Differences certainly exist, but as the authors clearly point out – just because we are different, it doesn’t make us wrong, just different. The more we understand those differences the more effective we will be working together. As a newly-minted entrepreneur, there were excellent insights on how to deal with each generation from both a sales standpoint and an operational standpoint. I hope to use those insights to grow my business and, when the time comes to hire employees, value the unique skills they bring to the table. And finally, as a parent, it never hurts to be reminded that the way they were raised reflects in their values. We should prepare to utilize those as their generation(s) become co-workers, employees, and bosses.
Looking to boost productivity in your workforce in 2014? 10 Answer Keys, Communicating with the 5 Generations in the Workplace is the book to read. Employers & employees alike should read this book to become more knowledgeable & understanding of the people you work for and work beside. I believe after reading this book, you will recognize why there can be disunity and mistrust among co-workers themselves and between co-workers and management. The authors guide us toward solutions to increase understanding and ultimately productivity and harmony across the generations who are in our workplaces.
Mary Erlain is a great business consultant with high integrity and personality. She will be an asset to any business who is using her services. If your business depends on sales volume, you should definitely work with Mary Erlain to increase it. She will work with you and show you how to find good prospects, sell your services and keep your customers.
