BRIDGING THE GAP
The best way to alienate a business prospect is to make them you don’t see them as an equal. This happens a lot when a person you’re doing business with is considerably younger or older than you. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
What never to say to an older colleague:
- I’m sure you don’t understand technology so I’ll give this project to someone else.
- You’ve been coming in late—are you not feeling well?
- You’re taking too much time with the customers—move it along.
- Do you have any younger consultants? We need a younger person on the team.
- Hurry it up, cut to the chase, get to the point.
- We don’t do things like that anymore; that’s so ‘80s.
What never to say to younger colleague:
- When I was your age.
- Been there, done that.
- I know you’ve never done this before.
- This may be beyond the scope of your experience.
- How did you come up with that? Everyone knows that’s unrealistic.
- Let me show you how to do this—it will be easier for me to show you or do it myself.
- What did they teach you at that college anyway?
(Excerpted from Loud and Clear by Karen Berg. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/wm2tod4)