Offices are funny places. On the one hand, you have executives and professionals who have been with the organization for decades. They know and understand every facet of the company. They’ve been involved in so many challenges and led so many programs it’s amazing. Some travel internationally, representing the company at huge conferences and trade shows. Some speak effortlessly before thousands at meetings. Many don’t know the difference between a blog and a wiki — or even that there is such a thing as Twitter.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have interns and recent college graduates with little to no experience. They are trying their best to figure everything out – including themselves! Some went to a bar with friends last night and didn’t get home until two in the morning. Some returned to the house they grew up in after work, living with Mom and Dad to save money … for now. All sent a dozen text messages this morning alone.
So, how does the workplace, well, work? With so many different perspectives and new technology evolving and changing every day, how does everyone work together to get the job done? Where is the common ground?
Bridging the Generational Gap, presented by Mary Deming Barber, APR, Fellow PRSA, director of communications, The Alaska Community Foundation, and Kelly George, APR, community relations representative, Halliburton, will explore the differences between Baby Boomer, Generation Xers, and Generation Y — all of whom are sharing the same workspace today.
Kelly Papinchak George, APR, and Mary Deming Barber, APR, Fellow PRSA, are just two
public relations pros separated by generations but joined by an understanding of communication strategies. During their session in Detroit, they’ll talk about how they learned to communicate with each other, with other generations and their cohorts. Mary is director of communications for the Alaska Community Foundation, PRSA secretary and parent to two texting teens. Kelly is Sr. Community Relations Representative for Halliburton, just received her APR, and is involved in many community projects in Houston. Oh — she just got married too — see the pictures on her Facebook page.
Join us for Bridging the Generational Gap at the PRSA 2008 International Conference: The Point of Connection, on Monday, October 27 from 10–11:15 a.m. in Detroit, MI for what is sure to be a rousing discussion! Who knows … these groups may just have more in common than we thought!
*This workshop is brought to you by the New Professionals Affinity Group.
