by Phyllis Weiss Haserot

Whether business was good or less so, you experienced natural disasters or were out of harms’ way, and/or personal issues imposed challenges, many of us feel we have survived the year’s many and varied disruptions. You and I are a tough bunch with purpose, determination and aspirations to make change.

As a future-oriented congenital optimist, I always look forward to new, creative, positive people-friendly possibilities, and 2018 will be no different in that respect. As champions of cross-generational conversation and collaboration, given the current social, political and business environment, to what can we look? Some ideas:

• The upheaval in workplace gender relations looks ripe for major positive change. Change will be much smoother if the generations bond together and resolve their perspectives as to power and privilege.

• Messages about the urgent need for succession planning and knowledge transfer may be producing an awakening. Leadership change appears to be accelerating and Millennial influence is gradually being accepted. Give the younger generations a voice and opportunity to be leaders-in-training.

• Recognize that productive Boomers are not going anywhere, and you will miss them if and when they do. Develop respected role shifts for them that capitalize on their talents and connections while creating an effective process for smooth knowledge transfer that is rewarded and successful in continually bonding clients/customers to your organization.

Looking back on 2017 on the positive side, I was thrilled to get my newest book, “You Can’t Google It!” – The Compelling Case for Cross-Generational Conversation at Work” and the first part of the 2-stage release (eBook on Amazon, etc.) underway with very positive response and reviews in process. Look for it at “You Can’t Google It!” and if you like it, please write an honest review on Amazon.

Looking forward, the book will be released in print at brick & mortar stores in March with a bigger launch. Look for the news of events, and I hope you can participate. eBook reviews will be transferred to the print book page when Amazon posts that page.

Looking back, I am filled with the warm glow of continuing support and good wishes from clients, colleagues, friends and other supporters for my work and family health challenges. Looking forward, we are talking about exciting collaboration and partnering. Also, looking forward in early 2018, we’re eagerly anticipating a new, additional web site focusing on “You Can’t Google It!” and cross-generational conversation at work as well as getting 2 new products/services that have been in the works for a while out into the world.

I hope you too have exciting professional and personal pursuits you are eager to share and enjoy. Wishing they come to be for you, and you thrive with good health, joy and gratitude. And let’s remember to celebrate!

Optimistically onward in 2018!!!

© Phyllis Weiss Haserot 2018.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot, president of Practice Development Counsel, helps organizations and individuals solve inter-generational challenges among work colleagues and with clients to achieve better productivity and knowledge transfer, retention, succession planning and business development results. Connect with her through email, twitter, or LinkedIn