11. The Generation Gap at Work: 5 Steps to Deal with Your Reactions

The workplace is changing fast—and not everyone’s on the same page about what should be happening at work anymore. In this solo episode, Ellen Whitlock Baker unpacks one of today’s biggest workplace tensions: generational friction. Whether you're a Xillennial caught between Gen X and Millennials (like Ellen), a seasoned leader, or a new professional navigating unspoken norms, chances are you’ve felt the friction when someone does or says something at work that makes you think, “Wait, what?”
From navigating different ideas of professionalism (yes, we’re talking dress codes) to understanding why younger colleagues might prioritize mental health or speak up more freely, this episode challenges us to stop labeling those differences as “wrong” and start getting curious about our own reactions.
Ellen shares personal stories from her early career, insights on generational identity, and a powerful five-step framework adapted from the Immunity to Change model to help you move from resistance to reflection—and maybe even growth. Spoiler: change is hard. But staying stuck is harder.
🎧 You’ll learn:
Why generational clashes aren’t just about age—they’re about identity, values, and lived experience
How to identify your own subconscious resistance to change
The surprising rewards we get from holding onto outdated beliefs
Why “professionalism” is often a coded (and sexist) concept
How to start experimenting with small shifts in mindset and behavior
💡 Plus: A downloadable free guide to walk you through the 5 steps and help you stay grounded when generational culture shock hits your inbox.
Whether you’ve ever said, “That’s not how we did it when I was starting out,” or “Why are we still doing it like this?”—this episode is for you.

📝 Download the guide: ewbcoaching.com/hardatworkpodcast/change
📬 Got thoughts or stories? Email [e-mail]
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