Gen X

Embracing the Joys and Challenges of Getting Older in the Workplace

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Bridging the Gap: Age, Relevance, and the Ever-Evolving Workplace

I want to dive into a topic that’s been on my mind lately: getting old! In my private life I always try to stay young at heart. Getting older in the workplace is a different story. I’ve always prided myself on being a high achiever—the one who could always be counted on to deliver exceptional results. As an internal communications person, I’ve witnessed the ups and downs of navigating a workplace where age can sometimes make you feel less contributory. I’ve noticed the dynamics around me shifting and the occasional awkwardness of trying to stay “cool.”

The Changing Tides of Contribution

You know, it’s funny how time flies. It feels like just yesterday I was the go-to person, blazing trails and achieving remarkable results. But as the years go by, I find myself facing a new reality. I’m still the same passionate individual, but my role is evolving, and so are my feelings of relevance. It’s not always easy to come to terms with the fact that I might not be the youngest or the trendiest person in the room anymore. It’s a transition from being the person who always had the answers to being the person who asks a lot of questions. And you know what? There’s beauty in that evolution. It’s about finding new ways to contribute, to inspire, and to ignite the potential in others.

Embracing the Awkward, Celebrating the Growth

One particularly amusing challenge is trying to use the latest slang. I mean, who doesn’t want to sprinkle their conversations with some cool lingo? But let’s be honest, attempting to keep up with the ever-evolving slang can sometimes lead to some awkward moments. I’ve had my fair share of younger colleagues laughing or telling me, “You’re trying too hard, don’t use that word!” It’s a gentle reminder that I’m not a teenager anymore, and that’s okay. (But hey, there are times when I want to “Slay!”😂)

But it got me thinking—why do we let age define our ability to connect? Sure, I might not always get the slang right, but it’s the effort to communicate and understand that counts. Let’s not forget, relevance isn’t just about keeping up with the latest terms; it’s about staying connected with each other’s worlds, no matter how different they may seem. Our approach may differ, but that doesn’t diminish our value and wisdom. In fact, embracing our years of experience while remaining open to continued learning from our younger peers can be an incredibly powerful combination. Yes, it can feel awkward when attempts to use current slang fall flat, or when conversations reveal gaps in our generational experiences. But isn’t there something wonderful about that awkwardness? It’s a sign of growth, of stepping out of our comfort zones, and of being open to learning from each other. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where generational fluency helps bridge understanding and fosters collaboration. 

Age Is Just a Number, Right?

Here’s something that’s been on everyone’s mind lately—the discussions about President Biden’s age and questions about competency. It’s a national conversation reflecting our own workplace realities. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about societal perceptions and the value we place on age versus ability. It’s a stark reminder of the need for generational fluency, the ability to appreciate, learn from, and leverage the strengths across different age groups.

Generational Fluency: The Key to Understanding

In a world that’s rapidly changing, how do we stay relevant? It’s not just about adapting to new trends; it’s about embracing a mindset of continuous learning. The wisdom of experience and the fresh perspectives of youth are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary forces that can drive innovation and understanding forward. This is where generational fluency becomes crucial. It’s about building bridges, fostering mutual respect, and recognizing that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

As we navigate these discussions, both within our workplace and in the broader societal context, let’s remember the importance of keeping an open mind. It’s on us to encourage open dialogue, promote cross-generational mentorship, and create platforms where everyone feels heard, regardless of age.

Generational fluency isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for our collective success. Let’s embrace the joys and challenges of getting older in the workplace. Let’s celebrate our expertise while remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. Together, we can create a workplace culture that values generational diversity. We can dismantle age-related biases, pave the way for a brighter future and build stronger, more cohesive teams.

Remember, age is just a number, and our experiences and knowledge are invaluable assets. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and inspire each other. And hey, if we stumble upon some new slang along the way, let’s not be afraid to give it a shot—it’s all part of the fun of staying relevant in an ever-changing world! 

Here’s to slaying in every sense of the word, no matter what year you were born in.

 This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on February 12, 2024

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Chatbots, Blogs, and the Fear of the Unknown: A Communication Specialist’s Personal Journey into AI

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I’ve been wanting to share this for a while now, but I’ve honestly been worried about what my colleagues might think. I’ve been in marketing and communications for a long time. I’ve seen a lot of things change in this field, but I must say that nothing has been as intriguing and, at the same time, unsettling, as the advent of AI-powered tools like the GPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) technology.

My first text to image attempt

In March 2023, I was introduced to Chat GPT during a company-initiated AI generative challenge. The experience was exciting and educational for me. This was a completely new concept to me. I was genuinely captivated by the poetry and various text-to-text generation demonstrations showcased by colleagues that day.

After that event, I started exploring GPT’s capabilities and found that it could be a useful tool for my tasks. Specifically, I found it valuable for aiding in writing blog posts. The interaction with GPT was not only intriguing but also significantly beneficial for my work. Since that time, I’ve been experimenting with Chat GPT and Google Bard to assist in writing content. There, I said it. It’s out there now. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Are you outsourcing your work to a robot?” Believe me, I’ve asked myself the same question, and I’ve grappled with the implication.

There’s an undercurrent of fear, isn’t there? It’s like we’re walking a tightrope between embracing the future and clinging to the familiar. I’m thrilled by the prospect of AI, but also anxious about what it could mean for my job in Communications. I’ve been filled with anxiety worrying about whether I’m paving the way for my own redundancy. As a Gen Xer, I’m already worried about my relevancy in the workplace without being worried about whether my role as a writer will become obsolete.

But here’s the thing. As I’ve been using GPT, I’ve realized that it’s not about replacement, it’s about collaboration. AI doesn’t “take over” the job. It’s not sitting in a dark room somewhere, churning out blogs with a sinister robotic grin. It’s a tool, a helper. It generates ideas, provides suggestions, and helps to streamline the creative process. It’s like having a brainstorming partner who never gets tired or runs out of coffee, or in my case, Diet Dr Pepper!

I’ve been amazed at the speed and efficiency with which I’ve been able to create content. It’s allowed me to focus on the parts of my job that truly require human insight and emotion. I’m still navigating this new terrain, still learning how to best use this tool, and still occasionally worrying about the future. But isn’t that the essence of life? Constantly evolving, constantly learning? As I began this personal journey, I started thinking about reasons why I’m hesitant and why I’m excited about generative AI.

Reasons why I was hesitant to use generative AI for Communication Content Creation:

  • I’m worried what people will think of me. I’m worried people will think I’m a fraud by using the assistance of generative AI. I’ve always had imposter syndrome, and I think this is just going to add to the feeling of not being good enough.
  • I’m worried about the quality of the content. Generative AI models are still under development, and they can sometimes produce inaccurate or misleading information. Many models have knowledge data that is limited to new or events up to 2021. (things are changing daily though. As I waited for approval for this article, GPT-4 was released)
  • I’m worried about the ethical implications of using generative AI to create content. For example, could generative AI be used to create fake news or propaganda? This is a real problem. Remember you are ultimately accountable for the content that you publish.
  • I’m worried about the impact of generative AI on my job. If generative AI can do my job for me, what will happen to my job? I really love and need my job!!

Despite my concerns, I believe that generative AI can be a positive experience for communication professionals.

Reasons Why I think Generative AI for Communication Content Creation Can Be a Positive Experience:

  • It can help me create content quickly and easily. Generative AI can help me generate ideas for content, write content, and even edit content. This can save a lot of time and effort. This can also be a huge benefit for communications teams, which are often understaffed and overworked.
  • Generative AI can help create more engaging content. Generative AI can help create more engaging content that will capture the attention of employees and create content that is tailored to different audiences. This can help reach employees who might not otherwise be interested in content.
  • Generative AI can help create more accurate content. Generative AI can help create more accurate content (identify and correct errors in content) by drawing on a vast amount of data. This is especially beneficial for communications teams, which often need to share accurate and up-to-date information with their employees.

If you’re considering using generative AI to create content, here are a few tips to help you use it effectively:

  • Be clear about your goals. It’s worth considering how you plan to use GPT. Do you want it to take on all your routine tasks, or do you see it more as a tool for specific tasks? What do you want to achieve with your content? Once you know your goals, you can start to think about how generative AI can help you achieve them. I personally only use it to help refine the stories or social media posts that I have already created and want to be fine-tuned. I may change in the future, but for now that’s my plan.
  • Do your research on tools. There are different generative AI tools available. Do some research to find the tool that is right for you. I currently use the paid version, Chat GPT Plus, and Google Bard for blog content creation. I also routinely try out other platforms to get an idea of what they offer.
  • Test different approaches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. See what works best for you and your audience.
  • Be prepared to edit. Generative AI can help you create content quickly and easily, but it’s important to be prepared to edit the content. Generative AI is not perfect, and it can sometimes produce errors. It’s important to merge Human Intelligence with Artificial Intelligence. Make sure it captures your personal voice and personality, company’s culture, brand voice, and the nuances that go into effective communication.
  • Watch out for repetition: Generative AI can sometimes get caught in a repetitive loop. Watch for repetition of similar phrases or sentences.
  • Do your research with your content. Many GPT models have knowledge data that is limited to new or events up to 2021, so it is important that you still research your information as you would with any other content. As I mentioned above, GPT-4 was recently released which will greatly improve access to information. However don’t rely on GPT alone.
  • Writing prompts: While AI can generate content from a prompt, we must use our creative agency to maintain control over the final output. I find it works best for me to draft an initial story and have the AI fine tune it for me. I then infuse it with my own tone, style, and personality. It’s all about finding a balance that suits your individual writing style.

While I may have my worries and doubts, I am excited about the potential of this technology. GPT, chatbots, AI – these aren’t threats, they’re opportunities. Opportunities for us to evolve, to grow, and to improve our work.

Remember, every tool is only as good as the person using it. AI is just that – a tool. And as we move forward, it’s up to us to determine how we use it, to ensure that it benefits us, our work, and ultimately, our audience. Learn as much as you can about this technology and use it ethically. AI and human intelligence can work together to create something truly amazing.

Change can be scary, but stagnation is scarier. So, let’s embrace the new, and navigate this brave new world together. After all, we’re in the business of communication, and what’s more communicative than sharing our experiences, fears, and hopes for the future?

This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on May 30, 2023