Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are no longer the main generational cohort in the workplace. If you are in the workplace today, you have probably been deluged with generalizations about the cohort that came after my gang of GenXers – Millennials. It’s their turn to dominate the workplace.

As a Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980) I work between Boomers and Millennials (born somewhere between 1981 to 1995). This has afforded me a unique window into the perspectives I often hear from both veterans and newcomers about their experiences at work.

In a recent article, I addressed those dynamics from the Millennials’ point of view. That got me thinking about what I’d like to say to Boomers.

To Boomers, I say thank you.

1. Thank you for reminding us about hard work and grit. Your generation is an example of committing to a job and giving it your all. Your hard work has started and built many successful businesses that have contributed to our economy.

2. Thank you for demonstrating how to commit for the long haul. In any worthwhile endeavour, there will be tough times and you know how to keep your eye on the long game. While I don’t wish for adversity, I know that like it or not, life throws it our way. What I also know is that there is much to learn from overcoming obstacles and persevering and your example shows that it is worth it to get through the rough patches.

3. Thank you for showing us the importance of relationships. The work matters but we get it done through the relationships that we’ve established. It takes time to build relationships and simple things like a face to face discussion or picking up the phone instead of sending a text is a reminder every workplace can use.

That said…

1. Watch out for the stereotypes. There are many millennials who work hard too. Also, many Millennials do want to commit to an employer. Don’t be afraid to invest in their development because you are afraid they will leave. After all, what if they stay and you haven’t invested? Plus, your support of their careers may convince them to stay.

2. Be flexible. It’s understandable how work practices that have served you well for a long time may be hard to change. With technology we have many ways of getting work done and there are many ways to get to the same end result. But are you willing, for example, to accept that some workers can accelerate your business without ever occupying a desk at the office? As long as you stay true to your values along the way, isn’t the end result the point?

3. Be a coach. You have lessons learned that are worth sharing and helping others succeed in their work is an opportunity to use what you’ve learned to make a positive impact. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that things must be done your way. Instead, it means that you have gained the experience and wisdom to know how to get the best out of others and help them to find their way.

4. Be curious. Don’t jump to conclusions about who is right and wrong and what approach is better or worse. Seek out younger employees and ask questions with a sincere heart and open mind. Remember how it felt when one of your ideas was stifled and you did not feel listened to.

The pivot point of The Sixties – the conflicting values between generations – remains as powerful now as ever. Only the generations have changed.

But generational differences can be inspiring. When tackling challenges with the benefit of wisdom and experience, as well as fresh eyes and energy, we bring the best possible elements to any discussion. But when the focus on differences gets too loud, we miss opportunities to appreciate the value of those differences.

The generational conversation that we are having in the workplace is sure to continue with the imminent arrival of Generation Z (born after 1995). When we are having these conversations, let’s be reminded of the words from the poet Rumi, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”