I can't hear you.

• Author: Hammerstrom, Jeanne
• Position: President's Podium

A few months ago, I attended a joint ALA/LMA program on generational communication issues. I have read countless articles and actually have attended similar programs (Phyllis Haserot has been trying to educate me for years!) regarding this topic, but for whatever reason the practical discussion among the ALA/LMA panelists resonated well with me. The panel consisted of lawyers from four different law firms--each from a different generation: a traditionalist (born 1928-1945), a Baby Boomer (born 1946-64), a Gen-Xer (born 1965-1979) and a Gen-Yer (born 1980-2000).

Growing up, I remember my parents making statements like, "I don't understand your generation." I'll admit that I, too, have been saying the same thing both in my professional and personal life, because I realized something. We don't take the time to understand who we are talking to, listening to and interacting with on a frequent, and sometimes infrequent, basis. People should just understand me, right?

As this panel discussion related to the work place, one of the lawyers commented that some Boomers and Traditionalists don't think the younger generations work hard enough or care enough about their jobs. One Gen-Xer on this panel suggested that maybe older generations don't take the time to ask if Gen-Xers or Gen-Yers care about their careers. Even though they are not clocking in 12 hours a day in the brick-and-mortar office, they are working 24/7 in the virtual office and are dedicated to servicing their clients.

When discussing careers, the Traditionalist and Baby Boomer, have been secure and loyal to their first and perhaps even second, employer. The X and Y generation will change jobs until settling into one in which they are comfortable. As we know within our own industry, the work/life balance is very important to this group. These generations like to work as a team more than...