What are they thinking?

Here are some quotes from members of Generation Y, those under 28 today, speaking about Boomer colleagues in the workplace.
I enjoy working with people older than me. Theyre nice to talk to, helpful and willing to share experiences ... its all positive.
Most of my coworkers are Baby Boomers. Theyre always there to help me out, and I seem to fulfill what they need.
I can ask my older colleagues any question and depend on their experience.
I had someone 50-55 who took me under her wing. She would help me find the answer to anything.

One potential rub: some Ys seem to be preferentially turning to Boomer colleagues for advice or opportunities to learn new skills, rather than the Gen Xers who may be their direct supervisors:
The new managers dont know what they are talking about.
In a recent re-organization, people with 35 years experience were dropped behind three younger Ph.Dsits a joke. They [the older colleagues] are much more qualified with 25 yrs of experience.
New people dont know what they are talking about.

Bottom line, Ys in the workplace operate like heat-seeking missiles when it comes to finding expertise. They are likely to value experience and knowledge, as reflected in ones reputation, in whomever its found. And, they do appreciate the support of older colleagues, as long as it maintains a tone of mutual respect rather than paternalism.

Viewed from the other side, I often find Boomers a bit ambivalent in their view toward Ys. Since many Boomers have Y-aged children, they are likely to be inclined to root for young peoples success. And, Boomers rebel spirits admire Ys pushback. Many of the changes Ys are asking for in workforce practices are closely aligned with the types of changes Boomers would also like now, as they look toward more flexible schedules at this point in their careers.

On the other hand, Boomers played by the rules as they competed their way up the corporate ladders they may not have liked them much, but they fell in line and played the game. And, to that extent, some resent Ys unwillingness to do so. Many Boomers say they find Ys remarkably impatient, and comment repeatedly on Y reluctance to pay the dues.

The core of working successfully across the ages is to find your common ground. Between Boomers and Ys, some of the common ground will come in the form of Ys desire to learn and Boomers enjoyment of teaching and helping young people succeed. Another form of common ground will come through shared goals of creating change, in the corporate world and beyond. Boomers and Ys can team to find constructive paths to help organizations adapt to both generations needs and to work outside toward causes both care deeply about.

Do you have an experience to share working with the Ys, or Boomers, in your firm?

Read all of Tammy Erickson's "Across the Ages" posts.