Generations Article Reflection

I found this article interesting and, in some ways, surprising.  First of all, I completely agree that generational differences can present conflicts and misunderstandings in the workplace because each generation communicates differently and has differing sets of values and beliefs; I can see this within my own family.  However, I did not realize that this is the first time in history that we have four generations “working side by side” (Veterans, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y).  Now that this fact has been brought to my attention, however, I realize that it is extremely important that each generation learns to understand and foster respect for the others.  The article makes an interesting point along these lines: it claims that in order to understand others, one first must understand him or herself.  So, I took it upon myself to figure out if I fit in with the charts’ sets of criteria for my generation (Generation Y).  For the most part, I did, and I can see how many of my peers reflect the values and beliefs that the charts recognize.  It was also helpful to see how the typical values/beliefs of my generation stacked up against those of the other generations in a side-by-side comparison.  Reading this article also made me aware of the fact that as a future teacher, I am going to be working with colleagues from all different generations, not just Millennials like myself.  I also realize that the transition from college, in which I am for the most part surrounded by individuals who are close to my age and share many of the same values/beliefs as me, into the professional world could pose a challenge.  For example, there will be teachers in my school who have been teaching for many years and consequentially could have entirely different philosophies than my own.