Want to understand others better? Especially those older and younger than yourself? Do you battle against the outdated attitudes of an older boss? Or the upstart lack of values amongst your new employees? Do your parents and children drive you nuts? You need to Mind the Gap

 

Released in July 2004, this 300 page paperback is the ultimate sourcebook for understanding the different generations. For many years, Graeme Codrington has enthralled audiences and enlightened workshop participants, with his Generations presentations, seminars and workshops. Now, all that information (and much more) is captured in a comprehensive, yet easy-to-read book, that is an essential companion for those who wish to improve the relationships between young and old.

 

The first section of the book outlines and explains the generational theory. It looks in detail at all the currently living generations, starting with those born in the early 1900s, all the way through to the children currently being born. It introduces for the first time, the concept of `cuspers` (those born on the edge of the divide between generations). The book also shows how the theory is applied in different contexts and countries, and assists readers to use it wisely in different environments.

 

Having explained the theory, the bulk of the book is taken up in application. Detailed chapters on a variety of human experiences make this book a must read for everyone, from retired grandparents, to up and coming yuppies, and from a corporate CEO to a primary school teacher. There's something for everyone, as the generation gap touches every part of our lives and interactions with others.

 

The application chapters include:

* Parenting

* Education

* Training

* @ Work

* Advertising

* Leadership

* Politics

* Church

* Health

* Retyrement (yes, with a "y")

* Finances

* @ Home

* Travel

 

In addition, there are nearly 100 `Quick Fact` textboxes that add flavour and snippets of information to the reader's understanding of the generation theory. The book is littered with amazing facts and interesting statistics about life in the 20th century and how each era in the past 100 years impacted the value systems of the young people born at that time.

 

It shows how these value systems have stayed with each generation, and how that can help you to predict their attitudes and behaviours and relate better to them. Its as much about understanding yourself as it is about understanding others.

 

From the back cover: What generation are you if you:

* Think that when Elvis died, so did good music

* Can't work out how to send an SMS

* Always wear the fashion label on the outside

* Think Michael Jackson has always been white

* Believe that children should be seen and not heard

* Don't own a Ferrari but you have the key ring

* Iron this year's Christmas paper to wrap next year's presents in

* Have parents who don't understand that 'whatever' is a valid answer

* Think dinner is over once you've tossed all the take-away cartons into the bin.

 

The way you parent, the clothes you buy, your relationships with your boss and your daughter, your attitude to money and sex, are, to an extraordinary extent, defined by the era into which you were born. Parents, the church, teachers and employers think that they understand youngsters because they, too, were young once.

 

But, adults no longer live in the world that existed when they were teenagers. We may occupy the same space, home, classroom or office but we live in different worlds. And, these worlds often collide. We've moved in one century from a 'built to last' to a 'throwaway' society. No wonder age differences are so vast. In this book you will discover your generation and those of the people who make up your life. Once you understand what makes them, and you, tick, the 'gen gap' begins to shrink.

 

Fasten your seatbelt for a generational roller coaster ride - you may never think the same way again! In this book you will understand why:

* Your boss insists on endless meetings and conferences

* Your 20 something student doesn't want a 50 something computer teacher

* You're in your 40s but still trying to prove yourself to mom and dad

* Your teacher should be learning from you

* You are 30 and have already had 5 jobs in 4 industries

* You want the corner office, company car, cell phone and expense account NOW

* You are changing both your baby's and your parent's nappies

* You want to save the whale.and the world!

* Your secretary knows more than you do

* Your daughter (40) keeps buying sports cars with your pension

 

Mind the Gap is now available in leading bookstores around South Africa for about R115. This would make a great Christmas gift for staff and customers. It also makes a great reference book for HR, training, sales, managers and leaders. 

 

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