LAS VEGAS—Generational differences can cause conflict and misunderstandings in the workplace because generations do speak a different language based on when they grew up and the different cultural events and experiences happening at that time. This year’s Optical Women’s Association Connection Series event at Vision Expo West, Getting Four Generations to Work Together, brings together six panelists from the four generations in the workplace today to tackle common “sticking points” that arise such as:

• Communication: What is each generation's preferred method of communication?
• Feedback: More, less and how does each generation want feedback on their work performance?
• Work Ethic: How do you define, "Doing a good job"? What does that look like? What are the expectations of each generation for proving you have a good work ethic?
• Knowledge Transfer: What is each generation's preferred method to pass on information? What is each generation's preferred method to receive or gather information?

Based on the OWA book selection, Sticking Points: How to Get 4 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart by Hadyn Shaw, a moderated panel from each generation—Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, will give their perspective on four hot topics and discuss the results of an interactive audience survey.

On the panel, representing the Traditionalist generation is Mimi Friedfeld, co-founder, ClearVision Optical; representing the Baby Boomers are Donna Gindy, COO, REM Eyewear and Gary Gerber, OD, The Power Practice; representing Gen Xers is Jill Saxon, OD, Bausch + Lomb; and representing the Millennials are Gillian Mulhere, Jobson, and Steven Squires, Local Eye Site.

Moderated by Baby Boomer, Christie Walker, president of OWA and editor, LabTalk, and Millennial Nogah Jones of Jobson, the event will take place on Sept. 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Level 1, Marco Polo Room 804, Venetian / Palazzo Congress Center.

Open to members and nonmembers, men and women, this program is free to OWA members and only $35 to nonmembers. Pre-registration is required by going to www.opticalwomen.com. The event includes a boxed lunch. Check in starts at 11:45 a.m. with the program beginning sharply at noon.