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Work and Play Well Together While the challenges of conflict within the generations can seem convoluted and complicated, often it can be corrected by address- ing simple communication and cultural errors. Knowing what a person heard is different from what was said can help prevent knee jerk reactions that lead to conflict in the workplace. Educating officers in the idea of generational conflict, includ- ing differences of speech and dress, as well as values and work ethics can prevent problems before they start. This education can enable officers to determine when a perceived lack of re- spect may stem from a communication issue or when an unrea- sonable demand is simply a different choice of priorities. By providing education to the employees about the differ- ences in how generations communicate, and perhaps a section on how to determine how employees respond, an agency can respond to problems before they start. And then everyone can be more prepared for when Generation Y joins the mix! Yep, I'll get to it in about 10 minutes. Kelly Sharp has been a 9-1-1 training officer and dispatcher for 18 years. A speaker and author, Sharp also works with Portland Community College's Emergency Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher program in Portland, Ore. She can be reached at Kelly@kmsharp.com. LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #24 www.lawandordermag.com 55