b'HR COLUMNBoth Baby Boomers and Gen XersKaren Bowen owns ManagerKnowHowand culture change into metrics, measurable appreciate flexible or virtual workConsulting Group Inc., a firm specializing intrends, concrete strategy and practical locations with options of workingleadership curriculums and interventionalobjectives is a unique skill that she brings fromhome.organizational development services. She isto her work. Practising a holistic approach also a Senior Partner with EQ Developmentto leadership, she connects mindfulness, In spite of evidence showing thatGroup, which specializes in emotionalconscious choice, solid human system theory generations in workplaces areintelligence. Masters educated with 25+and practical action. more alike than different, it can beyears of experience, she believes thatBowen has worked with a diverse business challenging to balance leadership thatsustainable organizational results centreand non-profit field, from frontline employees resonates with each group. Exploringaround People, Process, and Possibility.to mid- and executive level leaders, fostering underlying principles and actionsTranslating a somewhat mysterious world ofpositive workplace culture and organizational can help to reduce the pressure ofpersonal and organizational values, emotionaleffectiveness. Connect with her at managing multi-generational teams. intelligence, leadership skills, team dynamicslinkedin.com/in/karen-bowen-13098b37/Regularly engaging in meaningful conversations with employees and intently listening to them, rather than couching discussions in judgment about what a particular generation is like, can work wonders. ProvidingFrom left to right, Mark Danielson, Alison Cathcart, Jeremy Burgess, Alf Kempf, Justin Daltonflexibility and choice within a structure with clearly defined boundaries and responsibilities is also supportive. Clarity of structure, expectations, obligations and roles outweighs generational differences in developing productive workplaces. Finally, offering competent, regular and sincere feedback will foster greater workplacehappiness. Happy workplaces include employees of all ages who have fun at work and play. Happy employees exude cheerfulness and are seen by coworkers as likeable and pleasant to be around. Happy employees are positive and team-orientated, with can-do attitudes. They are motivating and resilient in the face of obstacles. Leaders who practise healthy happiness habitssuch as gratitude, joy and personal connection in the workplace Construction involves inspire all generations.While some differences may exist,a high degree of risk.multiple generations in the workplace connect across age and demographics by merely being people. These individuals, when part of a great teamOurconstructionlawyershavetheknowledgeandindustry in a happy workplace, are equallyexperience to guide clients through all phases of the construction committed, fulfilled and motivated toproject and when needed will aggressively pursue matters in court go the extra mile when called upon.to protect the rights of our clients.Perhaps, instead of perpetuating harmful myths and placing age groups into a particular box or attempting3011665 Ellis Streetto create separate work experiences forKelowna, BCV1Y 2B3different generations, leaders can focus250.762.2108on practising happy workplace habitswww.pushormitchell.comthat foster a rewarding and inclusive culture for all.SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWSpring 202033'