Have you ever been frustrated because you feel you're not speaking the same language when you talk to someone from a different generation? Have you ever wondered why one of your business colleagues acts or thinks the way they do? Have you found yourself saying, "They just don't get it," when talking about a co-worker from a different generation? Well you are not alone. Generational differences can cause conflict and misunderstandings in the workplace because generations DO speak a different language, based on when they grew up and the different cultural events and experiences happening at that time.
This year's Optical Women's Association Connection Series event, Getting Four Generations to Work Together, brought together six panelists from the four generations in the workplace today to tackle common "sticking points" that arise such as communication styles, how feedback is delivered and how often, and what is considered a good work ethic.
Representing the Traditionalist generation was Mimi Friedfeld, ClearVision Optical; representing the Baby Boomers were Donna Gindy, REM Eyewear and Dr. Gary Gerber, the Power Practice; representing Gen Xers was Dr. Jill Saxon, Bausch + Lomb; and representing the Millennials were Gillian Mulhere, Jobson, and Steven Squires, LocalEyeSite.
Moderated by Baby Boomer, Christie Walker and Millennial Nogah Jones, the event took place on Thursday, September 17th, and it was open to members and non-members, men and women.
 Traditionalist Mimi Friedfeld (ClearVision Optical) |
 BabyBoomer Donna Gindy (REM Eyewear) |
 BabyBoomer Dr. Gary Gerber (The Power Practice) |
 GenX Jill M. Saxon, OD (US Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb) |
 Millennial Gillian Mulhere (Jobson) |
 Millennial Steven Squires (LocalEyeSite) |
Launched in 2005 originally as the OWA Professional Optical Women's Workshops (POWW), this popular event has become an OWA "signature series" overseen by the OWA Events Committee. Its goal is to provide forums for OWA members to gather and network while gaining access to information geared toward moving them along their career path. The first Connection Series event — Seeing (Blind) Spots? Men and Women Working Together — was held in September 2014.
Connection Series events will be listed on the OWA Events page, and registration links / additional details for upcoming events can be found here.
Learn more about our most recent events here:
Topics for past events include:
For more information on these informative and energizing workshops or to request program topics, please contact our Events Committee Co-Chairs, Courtney Myers at and Beverly Bianes at .
