Why I Find You Irritating

Navigating Generational Friction at Work

Are your colleagues in distinctly different age groups? Are you sometimes baffled or frustrated by their decisions and behaviors? You are not alone.

Since the workplace is made up of multiple generations, you are likely to experience generational friction first­hand. But let’s be clear: these are not problems to fix. Rather, they are dif­ferences to understand, appreciate, and—ultimately—leverage.

Organizational behavior expert Chris De Santis has studied the literature on par­enting, generational research, and the evolving American worker and workplace for decades. This deeply researched book reveals a fresh and easily implemented framework for understanding genera­tional perspectives, explaining when it makes sense to talk about these differ­ences and when it doesn’t.

In Why I Find You Irritating, you'll learn why organizations need to embrace lop­sidedness as a way of reversing the commoditization of talent while simulta­neously respecting what is unique about each of us. By understanding and appreciat­ing our colleagues, we can reduce friction, increase engagement, and improve both productivity and job satisfaction.

$28.00
ISBN: 978-1-64543-937-0
SKU: 08-896-01
Categories:Amplify Publishing, Business and Finance, Leadership and Management

Why I Find You Irritating is an insightful look at generational misperceptions and how our messages can get lost in translation at work. Chris dives into understanding how we can ease tensions and have clearer communication in the multigenerational workplace. This book can help anyone at any age see a new perspective!”—Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author of Triggers, Mojo, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

“Generational differences have most certainly existed in the past and in many cultures, but as we live longer and the cycles of technology and its cultural and media impact continue to accelerate, we are now working in environments in which more and more markedly different generational cohorts need to collaborate and empathize with each other. Why I Find You Irritating is a well-researched, informed, and fun-to-read book that provides useful tools and frameworks to assist contemporary workforce environments in becoming more effective.”—Jorge Cauz, CEO, Encyclopaedia Britannica Group

“Just when you think that there is nothing new to say about navigating generational differences, Chris De Santis delivers a fresh and provocative perspective on how we view, approach, and traverse generational differences and similarities in the workplace. This book is a must-read for anybody who wants to leverage the power of generational diversity to create better teams, organizations, and workplace relationships.”—Mary Abbajay, Author of Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss

“We have more generations in the workplace than ever before, but that shouldn’t be a cause of friction. Instead, it’s an opportunity. This book will show you how to embrace generational differences and resolve generational conflict when you can . . . or leverage it when you can’t.”—David Burkus, Author of Under New Management: How Leading Organizations Are Upending Business as Usual 

Why I Find You Irritating is a thoughtful, smart, funny, and engaging read. With Chris’s usual combination of humor and insight, he reminds us about our generational biases. Regardless of our generational identities—and for that matter, our gender, race, ethnic, and other social identities—we all benefit from understanding where others come from and what they need to get their jobs done well. Why I Find You Irritating is an important book, providing useful tips and suggestions to overcome generational differences and ways to create workplaces where we can all thrive.”—Andie KramerCo-author of Breaking through Bias (2nd Ed): Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work and It’s Not You, It’s the Workplace: Women’s Conflict at Work and the Bias that Built It

“Not only do I love the title Why I Find You Irritating, I appreciate Chris’s explanations of how our generational misconceptions can negatively color our perceptions of others. His suggestions for bridging differences are both practical and necessary for getting along in a multigenerational workplace.” —Michelle Tillis Lederman, Author of The Connector’s Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact

Chris De Santis

Organizational Behavior Expert

cpdesantis.com

Chris De Santis is an independent organizational behavior practitioner, speaker, podcaster, and author with over thirty-five years of experience working primarily with clients in professional services firms both domestically and internationally. Over the past fifteen years, he has been invited to speak on generational issues in the workplace at hundreds of the leading U.S. law and accounting firms, as well as many of the major insurance and pharma companies. He has an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in business from the University of Denver, and a master’s degree in organizational development from Loyola University. He lives in a quiet corner of the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.