Homemade Esthetics: Observations on Art and Taste

Book Description

Thanks to his unsurpassed eye and his fearless willingness to take a stand, Clement Greenberg (1909 1994) became one of the giants of 20th century art criticism a writer who set the terms of critical discourse from the moment he burst onto the scene with his seminal essays Avant Garde and Kitsch (1939) and Towards a Newer Laocoon (1940). In this work, which gathers previously uncollected essays and a series of seminars delivered at Bennington in 1971, Greenberg provides his most expansive statement of his views on taste and quality in art, arguing for an esthetic that flies in the face of current art world fashions. Greenberg insists despite the attempts from Marcel Duchamp onwards to escape the jurisdiction of taste by producing an art so disjunctive that it cannot be judged that taste is inexorable. He argues that standards of quality in art, the artist's responsibility to seek out the hardest demands of a medium, and the critic's responsibility to discriminate, are essential conditions for great art. The obsession with innovation the epidemic of newness leads, in Greenbergs view, to the boringness of so much avant garde art. He discusses the interplay of expectation and surprise in aesthetic experience, and the exalted consciousness produced by great art. Homemade Esthetics allows us particularly in the transcribed seminar sessions, never before published to watch the critics mind at work, defending (and at times reconsidering) his theories. His views, often controversial, are the record of a lifetime of looking at and thinking about art as intensely as anyone ever has.

Customer Reviews:

A fitting epitaph to an astringent critic.......2003-01-27

Clement Greenberg has proven to be one of the most influential art critics of the 20th century. In fact, his name has become almost synonymous with mainstream Modernism, due in no small part to his lucid and carefully considered criticism. This post-humously compiled book is comprised of a series of transcripts from seminars at Bennington college in the 1970s on the nature of taste and criticism. There are also a series of complementary essays based upon the transcripts. However, the seminars (where Greenberg is questioned by the audience) more fully reveal the man himself; his sharp intelligence, his truculence, as well as his tendency to be contradictory and make enormous generalisations.

Greenberg's influence in the art world had waned considerably by the time these seminars took place. However, he still had plenty of insight to offer on the pretensions of the 1960s/70s avant-garde, namely his savaging of "far-out" conceptual art, which Greenberg claimed was simply tasteful Salon art masquerading under the guise of radicalism. It's this sort of irreverence which makes the book an interesting read. Whether you agree with Greenberg or not, it's hard to doubt the honesty with which he set about his task as a critic. He was never fazed by art-world talk, nor artist's reputations (no matter how large), and his advice on honestly reporting your aesthetic responses to art should be taken on board by art-lovers everywhere.

thoughtful and provocative musings on art and taste.......2000-04-04

Clement Greenberg makes the reader long for the time when criticism came in the form of thoughtful commentary and considered analysis rather than jargon laden showmanship of today. He was elitist and irascible to be sure--a real curmudgeon--but he had an opinion and wasn't afraid to express it. It's easy to disagree with a lot of Greenberg's grand pronouncements but the provocation is welcomed--it stimulates thought and encourages engagement with aesthetic issues. Greenberg's comments about art and kitsch, art and commerce are all the more fascinating post-Warhol/Koons/Sachs, etc.

HOMEMADE ESTHETICS: Observations on Art and Taste.(Review) (book review): An article from: Arts & Activities

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HOMEMADE ESTHETICS: Observations on Art and Taste.(Review) (book review): An article from: Arts & Activities
J.j.h.
Manufacturer: Publishers' Development Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Arts & Activities, published by Publishers' Development Corporation on September 1, 2000. The length of the article is 409 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: HOMEMADE ESTHETICS: Observations on Art and Taste.(Review) (book review)
Author: J.j.h.
Publication: Arts & Activities (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2000
Publisher: Publishers' Development Corporation
Volume: 128 Issue: 1 Page: 14

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Homemade Esthetics : Observations on Art and Taste

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Homemade Esthetics : Observations on Art and Taste
Clement; Harrison, Charles T. Greenberg
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKQXNE

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Homemade Esthetics : Observations on Art and Taste.
Clement. Greenberg
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKOJ5S

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Whiting and Davis Purses - The Perfect Mesh
Leslie Pia , and Donald-Brian Johnson
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764316427

Book Description

It's every teenager's worst nightmare: Zits raging like wildfire. In just five years, the comic strip Zits has progressed from its wildly successful debut to become one of the most popular strips on the comics pages today, now appearing in 1,000 newspapers worldwide.The humorous daily life of parents Connie and Walt Duncan and the teenager they own and operate, Jeremy, are again presented as an open book for all to read in Zits Unzipped. In this latest collection, creators Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman chronicle the life of 15-year-old Jeremy Duncan as if there were a camera following his every confused adolescent move. He has to be dragged out of bed at noon during summer vacation. He agonizes over and dissects every syllable of a cryptic exchange he's just had with his girlfriend, Sarah. He almost bursts with the questions, concerns, and insecurities of teenagerhood, yet fends off every attempt by his mom to get him to talk with a standard "I dunno."With its perfect blend of teenage reality and clever humor, Zits Unzipped will deliver laughs for Zits' faithful readers and new fans alike.

Customer Reviews:

Zits a-poppin'!.......2005-08-31

Bad haircuts, "clueless" parents, pimples, hormones, loyal and/or ditsy friends, the girl's posse, dreams of the uncharted future, weird friends, untamed appetites and endless insecurities-- ZITS is a hilarious commentary on the foibles of being a teenager in middle America.

In this compendium of strips, Jeremy deals with having to get girlfriend Sara a Christmas gift (he gets her a tire); body-pierced Pierce the drummer makes his first appearance; Jeremy, on a rare free weekend with his parents at an orthodontists conference, spends the weekend in the company of an armload of horror videos *and* his overactive imagination; and then there's Ms Butcher, the Econ teacher who truly does stay up at night looking for ways to torment him.

ZITS is constantly fresh, drawn with humorous and deft exaggeration - the cover illustration showing a mountain of CDs, headphones, calculators and tapes spewing out of Jeremy's backpack should ring a familiar bell with any parent of a high-schooler. "Zits: Unzipped" has been read and reread and re-reread in my household. Scott and Borgman have put together a terrific strip that can be enjoyed by teenagers and their parents. Awesome!

Coverage of the teen's ironies and agonies.......2002-08-08

Zits Unzipped is 'sketchbook 5' in the comic strip books and chronicles the life of adolescent Jeremy and his suffering parents, from his relationships with parents and friends to his on/off relationship with his girlfriend. Fans of the strip may find many they've missed over the years; newcomers will relish this coverage of the teen's ironies and agonies.

5 stars for Borgman/Scott.......2002-05-06

Here's the plot: Team two interesting and funny fellows together to write a comic strip about teenagers. Geographically situate them thousands of miles apart connected only by email, phone and fax and instruct them to do a daily strip, plus Sunday in color. Tell these guys the content has to illustrate a lovable but sometimes impossible kid and two tolerant parents, and see what you get! Zits!

Zits on is best!.......2002-04-29

The 5th book on Zits collection is still a sure time of laugh. This book is very well balanced and is good sample of what you are missing for not having it on your daily newspapaer (like me :( ...).

Book Description

In 1996, Craig Wilson began writing a column for USA Today called “The Final Word.” In it, he extolled the virtues of the true pleasures in life—clotheslines, freshly cut firewood, sweet corn, and Adirondack chairs—and looked back on his childhood in the country with fondness and an infectious sense of humor. Wilson’s message struck a nerve, and now he receives hundreds of letters and e-mails each week from readers who share his sense of nostalgia and appreciate his warm, thoughtful observations on daily life.

It’s the Little Things... showcases the best of “The Final Word,” with the pieces arranged by season. In fall, for example, Wilson remembers his mom’s Thanksgiving gravy and his crush on his first-grade teacher; in winter, he holds forth on aluminum Christmas trees and the kiddie table; in spring, he writes about the joys of walking to work and puttering in the garage; and in summer, his thoughts turn to white bucks, front porches, and outdoor showers. The result is a delightful book to share with others and to relish throughout the year.

Customer Reviews:

Another fan of Craig Wilson.......2005-10-25

I just love "It's the Little Things" and have enjoyed reading its columns over and over again. I have given more than 20 copies as gifts on various occasions. I recently heard Craig Wilson reading from his book and found him just as charming in person as on paper.

A Nice Book of Life.......2005-09-01

If you are familiar with Craig Wilson's column in the newspaper, you are in for a treat. This is a nice compilation, arranged "seasonally" of thoughts on life, things you can even recognize of your own life and growing up. I thought I would savor these and read one or so a day, but once i started it, I couldn't put it down. You will laugh, think and maybe even cry, but you will never go away from a 'chapter' feeling nothing. Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy his columns. I wasn't aware he had such a compilation until he kindly replied to an e-mail I sent him saying I wished such were available.
Relax and enjoy.

"Only Memories Lingered...".......2005-07-23

A nice 'beach read' - somewhere between Dave Barry & Garrison Keillor.

Never too deep - and Wilson tends to use a stock of phrases, turns & expressions throughout his writing that allow one short story to flow right into the next -

I can see this as a weekly column - where the time between reading articles would be spaced out. Side-by-side, these stories sometimes read like revised versions of the story just before it in the book. Nothing too deep or original - just very well-rounded and nostalgic.

"Vicki's Funeral" is a standout for me from the entire collection.

As another reader put it - snuggle up and feel good with this book.

A Treasure of Pleasures........2003-04-12

I found myself laughing out loud and shouting YES! Oh my, Craig Wilson has finally put into words what makes one so happy in life. I LOVED the Sweet corn story. So much so, that I had to read it out loud to my husband. He laughed too. Probably because we can so relate to that one. And the Clothesline, Oh lord let me die face down in line dried sheets...lmao. Right on, hit the nail right on the head. The camping chapter will help me explain to my dear mother in law why I will NEVER be at the family reunion campout. Roughing it is a tub with no jacuzzi and that's as rough as I get. Hysterical laughter could be heard over the Italian vacation with mom. USA Today must thank Craig Wilson for my subscription. Reading his columns should be listed as one of the simple pleasures in life.

Little Things.......2003-01-26

Graig Wilson's work is an act of genius. In a society where all things are measure by their price tag, Craig Wilson appreciates the small things in life. He has been my favorite write for USA Today since day one, and I was excited to hear of his collection of columns. He is able to poke fun at things, and be serious. His writing style is wonderful. His view of life is simple, and wonderful. Everyone should read this book, and appreciate the simple things of life!

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really awesome used book

The Desire to Desire: The Woman's Film of the 1940's (Theories of Representation and Difference)
Mary Ann Doane
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 025320433X

Amazon.com

What is female spectatorship? When Hollywood films are geared for an audience of women, what ideals do they tend to promote? How should feminist theory contend with the image of women that the cinema passes on? In The Desire to Desire Mary Ann Doane responds to these questions, focusing specifically on "woman's pictures" of the 1940s. She argues that while most of the films she discusses are conceived through lenses that are masculine in nature, feminists attempting to critique these films should not dismiss them as sexist or attempt to develop a way of seeing that is simply the opposite of the one handed down. Instead, Doane offers a critique of vision itself, contrasting the way the camera views the women in these films, the way the films' female characters look out onto their worlds, and the way the Hollywood movie industry manufactures images that it expects female audiences to consume.

Customer Reviews:

really awesome used book.......2005-10-03

Thank you for the great book, it was better than I thought it would be for my very first used book order online. Thank you so much.

The Desire to Desire: The Woman's Film of the 1940's (Theories of Representation and Difference)

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The Desire to Desire: The Woman's Film of the 1940's (Theories of Representation and Difference)
Mary Ann Doane
Manufacturer: Indiana Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQG15S

Book Description

Here is the story of perhaps the finest soul singer of the rock era--Etta James.

One of the great women of American music, equally at home singing blues and jazz, Etta regales us with tales of her chaotic childhood, the stars she has known, and her troubled trip to stardom in this mesmerizing autobiography.

Customer Reviews:

the etta james story.......2007-01-09

the book is great to read it came in very good condition not dirty or torn or bent.

a true fighter.......2007-01-04

With odds stacked against her in every direction - including personal resistance to success - Etta manages to not only survive, but thrive & inspire!
Stories of the early days of motown, touring, & musician swapping is exciting and nearly incestuous (so many huge names in music ran the same circuits, competing for musicians, songs, gigs & label attention).

Understanding Etta James.......2003-06-18

If you're going to see Etta, read this book first. It will put some perspective on where this Diva has come from and help you understand some of her stage comments. To make your experience finer, read it while listening to "Her Best-the Chess 50th Anniversary Collection" and her newest CD "Roll On".

It's an honest and fresh read, very revealing and very scary as to how she survived racism, drug addiction and recovery. It also gives alot of insight on the R&B world players in the 50's, 60's and 70's.

I'd recommend it as a supplemental text in feminist/african-american/sociology college courses. It may be too controversial for high school courses but it would certainly get students talking. It's also a great summer read.

Not Your Typical Rags to Riches Story.......2002-10-21

Etta James. Powerful vocals and supremem attitude. This blues/jazz diva can only have a story that's as dramatic as her musical repetoire.

The biogrpahy is an easy read but full of emotional impact from her youth to her dificult struggle with her weight while climbing up the ladder to success. Family members bob and weave in and out of her life while she struggles to keep her head above the waters of black society.

Read about her survival and the road she took to make it there. Again, it is an easy read but the themes she brings up from her life are tough to handle. A true inspirational story, the life of Etta James will help any reader to appreciate her will to succeed and encourage all of us to strive to be our best.

A Survivor's Story!.......2002-09-07

Despite all odds, Miss Etta is still with us: read this book if you have the courage to learn what life 'on the road' was like for an entertainer in the 50's and 60's, with the difficulty enhanced tremendously for African-Americans. The debt today's divas owe Etta and others from 40 years ago will never be repaid. The book pulls no punches: white record label owners shafted their acts in every way imaginable, yet there's a snapshot of Leonard Chess that you'll be thankful for. Etta writes of doing heroin with Little Esther, being in and out of jail, being up and down, getting her "X" by joining the Black Muslims, touring with Little Richard, the dangers of driving through Dixie in the late 50's and early 60's with a blond 'do' (and a monkey).

There's another reason to buy the book: you can dine out for weeks by sharing the story of Etta's father. The book includes a photo of the two of them side-by-side. Yup, amazing resemblance. And no, I'm not going to tell.

Etta did the Letterman tv show a few weeks ago; is still making music. She's a national treasure. When she appeared in Dallas I slipped a note to a member of her crew to pass along, thanking her for all the music that has meant so much to me. If you've never heard Etta, look for that two cd set of her Chess recordings. One listen, and you'll be hunting for a pen and pad to send her the same kind of note.

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Rage to Survive : The Etta James Story
Etta; Ritz, David James
Manufacturer: Villard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PS03UY

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Rage To Survive: the Etta James Story
Etta James
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSVFJI

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Rage to Survive: The Etta James Story
Etta; Ritz, David James
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSA1Y8

Customer Reviews:

Where is an example?.......2002-12-23

In the every day practice of mathematics or viewing the works of others, I have never ran across or derived a self-referential statement of the kind that Goedel used in his proof of the incompleteness theorems. The appearance of these kinds of statements takes place only in the context of mathematical logic, and their construction is is somewhat artificial, involving the use of 'diagonalization'. It is for this reason that I don't find the incompleteness theorems in any way troubling for the "truth" of mathematics. If they kept arising in the everyday practice of mathematics, this would lend support to the incompleteness theorems. As such though there is no "empirical" support for them, and until they do arise they can be safely ignored.

The results of Goedel have been used to cast doubt on the "foundations" of mathematics and the "strong AI" problem. But they have also been used to support "strong AI", as it is felt that the existence of self-referential statements are an indication that a machine is conscious. All of these arguments are interesting, but they have yet to help in the practice of mathematics or in the construction of intelligent machines. In fact, too long an emphasis on these results has probably retarded the advancement of artificial intelligence research. The incompleteness theorems though have stimulated research in the field of 'automatic theorem proving' and in this respect they can be said to have had some value.

This book gives an overview of Goedel's incompleteness theorems and its corollaries from a "semi-popular" point of view, meaning that readers are expected to have some background in elementary logic as well as philosophy, in order to appreciate the contents. The author is eloquent and enthusiatic throughout the book, and this serves to make the book more palatable for the absolute beginner. It would be unfortunate maybe that readers will begin to doubt the "truth" of mathematics after reading this book, but that doubt could also be viewed as a virtue, in that it would motivate further thinking and research. But again, to this date there has been no self-referential statement that has appeared in the everyday practice of mathematics....that I know of anyway.

Brain candy in a logical form.......2000-03-14

Do you believe that you know what you believe? Is it possible to believe only those things that are true? These questions are but two of the many addressed in this book by Professor Smullyan, and the answers will surprise you!
With most of the material in the form of puzzles, and nearly all of them solved, it is possible for a logical novice to read and understand the book. However, it is recommended that you find another source for explanations of the standard logical operators and read it first. Even then, you should not be surprised to find yourself rereading a solution thinking that the answer simply cannot be correct. But keep trying, as eventually you will begin to understand, and come to appreciate some of the unresolvable consequences of mathematics, the most precise of disciplines. For while Professor Smullyan may not be logically consistent, he is consistently logical. (This is of course a bad pun, but it is no worse than some of the groaners in the book.)
Finally, as the following example shows:

"The following dialogue ensues between a student and his theology professor:

Student: If I believe that God exists, then I will also believe that I will be saved?
Professor: It that is true, then God exists.
Student: If I believe that God exists, then will I be saved?
Professor: If God exists, then that is true.

Prove that if the professor is accurate and if the student believes the professor, then God must exist and the student will be saved"

You may also be given insight into one of the most fundamental questions regarding human existence.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Unique method uses puzzles to explain Go:del's theorem.......1998-09-03

This is a great book for anyone wanting to understand Go:del's theorem, which basically proves that logic is inherently flawed. The book is very readable. Just make sure that you don't let your head explode.

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Owners Manual For Managing the Muti-generational Workplace

For managers, with a grain of salt, please

Very good read

Real Generations

You can fool some of the people, all of the time.

Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace
Ron Zemke , Claire Raines , and Bob Filipczak
Manufacturer: AMACOM/American Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0814404804

Book Description

Walk through the tightly packed, hierarchically flattened corridors of America's businesses and what do you hear? Not the sounds of harmony. Instead, you'll probably hear the grumbles of irritation as people with wholly different ways of working, talking, and thinking have been tossed together side by side, cubicle by cubicle. It's the teeth-gritting sound of generations in collision.

Charlie, for example, is 61 and desperate for some clear, straightforward guidance from his 43-year-old boss Mary, who, in turn, is using her trademark heartfelt, buzzword-laden management style in an attempt to radically alter Charlie's work processes. Jane, meanwhile, the 29-year-old technical wizard of the team, sits sullenly in her cubicle, unimpressed with either of them, and they with her.

None of them understands the other. None of them knows how to communicate with the other. And it's causing headaches and havoc for managers trying to mold this hodgepodge of ages, faces, values, and views into a productive, collaborative group.

Now, with GENERATIONS AT WORK, there's clear, concrete help. Written by a team of distinguished cross-generational authors, this groundbreaking book supplies fresh, provocative insights and practical solutions for understanding differences, resolving conflicts, and managing effectively in today's age-diverse workplace. Both sweeping in scope and highly specific, the book gives you:

* Astute profiles of four distinct generations: Learn about the Veterans (b. 1922-1943), Baby Boomers (b. 1943-1960), Gen Xers (b.1960-1980), and the Nexters (b.1980-), including their demographics, the events that shaped their lives and times, predominant traits, work styles, and key messages to keep in mind when recruiting, developing, and motivating these members of your workforce. * Illuminating case studies in generational peace: Go behind the scenes of five major companies that treat generational mixing as an asset. * A powerful practice exercise: Solve the plight of Charlie Roth, a fictionalized manager facing a cross-generational crisis--then read how 7 outside experts tackled the problem. * Hardhitting answers to the 21 most frequently asked questions about managing in a multigenerational workplace--plus much more!

For anyone struggling to manage people who just don't see work (or life) the same way, GENERATIONS AT WORK helps you understand the gulf that separates the generations--and offers practical guidelines for building a harmonious workforce where people rally together for the organization, not against each other.

Download Description

Supplies fresh, provocative insights and practical solutions for understanding differences, resolving conflicts, and managing effectively in today's age-diverse workplace. Profiles four distinct generations and their prominent traits and work styles, and offers key messages to keep in mind when recruiting, developing, and motivating members of each generation. Includes real-life case studies of five companies working in intergenerational harmony.

Customer Reviews:

Owners Manual For Managing the Muti-generational Workplace.......2006-08-04

The Year 2006 represents a unique place in time in the history of our workplaces in the United States. We now have four different generations in the same workplace and that has presented many challenges to business owners and managers. This book could be called an "Owner's Manual" in the sense that it provides some practical advice on how to deal with this age-diverse workforce. If you are looking for some help to "muffle" the loud sounds of colliding generations, or to bring those loud sounds into harmony, then this is a book for you. The book is a must read for business owners and managers to help understand the differences in the workforce; how to resolve conflicts and how to fully utilitze the diversity of ages to achieve success in business.
Reviewed by: J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Founder & Chief Executive, J. G. EBERSOLE ASSOCIATES and THE RENAISSANCE GROUP (tm), Lancaster, PA. and Author of "Glenn's Guiding Lines - Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Coach" newsletter www.renaissanceman4u.com

For managers, with a grain of salt, please.......2006-03-04

Never before has there been such diversity in the workforce. This is particularly true of the range of ages that co-exist on the job. In Generations At Work, the authors identify the four generations, the particular problems you may encounter managing them, and potential solutions. As the employee pool matures, this is knowledge every manager of a cross-generational workforce will need. These categories are, of course, cut rather broad. This book is probably better used as an idea toolbox than gospel writ.

The Generations:
1. Veterans (1922-1943): The World War II generation's dedication to the values of civic pride, loyalty and respect for authority have become a continuing influence in the following generations.
· Veterans tend to be more directive in leadership roles.
· Veterans are used to working in teams under strong leadership.
· Veterans can be prone to the "we've never done it that way before" mentality.
· Veterans often find technology intimidating and confusing.
2. Boomers (1943-1960): This generation tends to be idealistic and driven.
· Find out how they want to be managed.
· Expect a reaction if things don't go well.
· Motivate them with lots of public recognition, and involvement in decision-making.
· When mentoring them be tactful, let them tell you how they're doing, and think of yourself as a friendly equal.
3. Xers (1960-1980): The Xers are deeply cynical about management and the driven attitudes of the Veterans and Boomers. It is, however, possible to motivate Xers.
· Make your work environment as flexible as possible.
· Provide them with up-to-date technology.
· Give them lots of simultaneous projects and let them prioritize.
· Give them constructive feedback on their job performance.
4. Nexters (1980-2000): The most studied generation in history, Nexters are likely to be more like the veterans than any other group. When recruiting Nexters, keep the following principles in mind:
· Forget gender roles.
· Focus on teams.
· Mind the gap: there is likely to be a large generational gap between the Xers and the Nexters.
· Grow your training department.
· Establish mentor programs.

Very good read.......2006-02-27

I liked this book since it gave me an insight into the different components of each generation and how to deal with them at work as well as in general. I manage early boomers to nexters and am a Gen Xer and this book will help a great deal with that challenging task.

Real Generations.......2005-08-23

I enjoyed this book, even though I orignially got it for a class of mine on diversity. It is a great book, but as a Nexter I wish it was a little more updated on things about my generation, but it is understandable. I found that the generational stereotypes are very much in tune with my personal experiences.

You can fool some of the people, all of the time........2005-01-25

Have you ever read a "study" that contains tiny bits of truth (usually things that are obvious) but the rest is false? That's the case with Generations At Work.

If you remove the stereotypes all that remains is stuff that ought to be obvious. It may be that some CEOs with large numbers of disgruntled employees are unaware of even the most blantant trends and conflicts in the workplace but the lesson there is to fix the workplace, not the employees. All generations will be cynical if they are contstantly in danger of being laid off.

From my own experience, 3 examples that are completely the opposite of what this book describes. (1) People in my age group are supposed to be driven overachievers. How I wish that were true. Must have come from astrology or something. (2) I worked for a company that hired two young "golden collar" tech experts. These kids were outstanding. There were no personality conflicts. There were no generational conflicts. And the fact that they were so knowlegable made us worship them! So what if they preferred rock climbing to golf? (3) Speaking of stereotypes, the company shut down and we all got laid off. According to this book, young IT professionals can write their own ticket, right? False, again. Four months have passed and one of our young geniuses has a boring job with a long commute and big pay cut. The other has refused to take a crummy job and remains unemployed.

The book is not without humor, perhaps unintentional. Apparently Lucent is a good example of how waring generations can make peace. But I wonder how many managers want their company to perform as Lucent has.

In the end, the key to a productive harmonious workplace is for people to have jobs they enjoy, pay well and are reasonably secure. In a lesser work environment all managers can hope for is to tap into the stereotypes in this book to try to keep the dust down.

Generations at Work Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace

Average customer rating:

Generations at Work Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace
Zemke Ron & Raines Claire & Filipczak Bob
Manufacturer: Amacom
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000SI0E78

Average customer rating:

Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace
Ron Zemke
Manufacturer: amacom
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000K1FPCW

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