Through the ages

Entrepreneur, March, 2002 by Mark Henricks

TODAY'S ENTREPRENEURS MUST COPE WITH UN-precedented generational diversity. They may employ four generations, from grizzled Traditionalists shaped by the Depression to Millennials just entering the work force, That's a challenge, but one baby boomer Lynne C. Lancaster and Generation Xer David Stillman help entrepreneurs overcome in When Generations Collide (Harper Business, $25.95). The two experts in managing age-related conflict boil complex issues down to their essences. For instance, they summarize each generation's attitude in key words: Traditionalists are loyal, Boomers optimistic, Xers skeptical and Millennials realistic. If you can remember those few words and look past gray beards or nose rings, you may solve the generational puzzle.

Austin, Texas, writer MARK HENRICKS has covered business and technalogyfor leading publications since 7987.