I read a great article in the March 2017 issue of our SDA Today.  It’s called “Do You Speak Millennial or Gen-Z?, A look into the realm of reverse mentoring and why it’s to everyone’s benefit.” It was written by one of our members, Anne McNeely, CDFA.

As a Gen-X’er and a mom of a Gen-Z’er, who, also, works with a few Millennials, I found the article was both very interesting and beneficial.

My husband and I raised our son, but we certainly feel the generational gap of technology between parents and son.  I consider myself pretty high on the totem pole of keeping up with technology and find working with software and hardware pretty easy, however; my son surpasses me dramatically, with ease.  It’s a wonder to see, but at the same time it shouldn’t be a surprise.  I started working on computers in my early teens and we had a computer before my son was even born.  Essentially my son was “born with a computer” in his hands.  With that said, this article addresses these differences and the stereotypes that come with the generational gap and how to address use programs to teach all generations to work together with ease, called Reverse Mentoring.  Reading about Reverse mentoring was exciting because I feel like I already try to do that at home, and should make sure to do this at work for my own and my firm’s benefit.  Check out this amazing article that addresses these topics, it may help ease tensions, help you work better together and learn newI read a great article in the latest SDA Today.  It’s called “Do You Speak Millennial or Gen-Z?, A look into the realm of reverse mentoring and why it’s to everyone’s benefit.” It was written by one of our members, Anne McNeely, CDFA.

As a Gen-X’er and a mom of a Gen-Z’er, who, also, works with a few Millennials, I found the article was both very interesting and beneficial.

My husband and I raised our son, but we certainly feel the generational gap of technology between parents and son.  I consider myself pretty high on the totem pole of keeping up with technology and find working with software and hardware pretty easy, however; my son surpasses me dramatically, with ease.  It’s a wonder to see, but at the same time it shouldn’t be a surprise.  I started working on computers in my early teens and we had a computer before my son was even born.  Essentially my son was “born with a computer” in his hands.  With that said, this article addresses these differences and the stereotypes that come with the generational gap and how to address use programs to teach all generations to work together with ease, called Reverse Mentoring.  Reading about Reverse mentoring was exciting because I feel like I already try to do that at home, and should make sure to do this at work for my own and my firm’s benefit.  Check out this amazing article. 

While we’re on the topic of Millennials, you may, also, want to look at the infographic, “The Multi-generational Workforce: Tips for Motivating the Different Generations,” which is available as a giveaway (in the right-hand gray area) for non-members or on the member-only Human Resources page.

How are you doing with our next generations at the office? Leave your comments below. 

L

Lynda Meyer is the Controller

for Precision Measurements Incorporated

in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The dictionary tells us that a goal is an objective that a person or a system plans or intends to achieve. A resolution is the act, operation, or process of resolving.  Resolutions are the way to obtain the goal. Goals are the end result of the resolution. In order to obtain the goal you must set up a system to achieve the goal.

Here is an example, say your goal is to get a promotion at your job.  You can try to earn the promotion from hard work, loyalty, seniority or you could set a process (system) to obtain it. Perhaps it’s taking classes to further your education or obtaining a certification in that subject area.  If your goal is to complete a marathon, you have to set up a training routine. You certainly can't expect to complete the 26 miles without any time spent training.

What are your goals for the coming year and how will you resolve to obtain them?  

                                                      Monica Hodges is the Office Manager for Barker & Associates in San Antonio, Texas.

                                                      She currently serves as the SDA National President-Elect.

I came across the following article and thought the message, Developing Your Personal Advisory Board, is so similar to how SDA members network and connect with one another that I had to include it in this month’s blog. Collectively, we as SDA members, give and get solid advice and productive feedback from one another, we promote and learn leadership skills to help accelerate our successes, and support each other in our personal and professional goals. 

When I was reading this article, it made me think of the offices I have held as a chapter and national officer and serving on chapter and national committees where I’ve learned for myself how SDA is its own advisory board. The criteria above on how to select your personal advisory board is enlightening, which makes me hope and wonder if I am unknowingly on someone’s advisory board.

Do you have a personal advisory board? Who do you call for advice and what’s the best feedback you ever received? Who has encouraged you or inspired you in your personal or professional life? I’d love to hear your stories.

Natalie Newman is the Office Administrator for Jensen Hughes in Anaheim, CA.

She currently serves as the SDA National President.