Book Review: “Sticking Points”

Subtitled How to Get 4 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart, this is a business and leadership book that has great application in various areas. As a preacher, I read the book and kept thinking of applications in the church that would be helpful for us all to understand.

The overall premise of Haydn Shaw’s book is that there are four generations in most work-places (and, now, 5 in the home), but those generations see many basic things very differently. For example, older generations value meetings, while younger generations would rather just get an email with the information so they do not have to stop working to go to a meeting. Other areas that are discussed include dress code (which is a fascinating chapter), loyalty to an employer, training, and work ethic.

The beginning of the book is must-read material for those who want to understand why the various generations have certain mindsets. Elders would find great material here for understanding the generations in their congregations. The most interesting chapter, to me, was the chapter on work ethic. We hear all the time that younger folks don’t have the same work ethic. This chapter blows that out of the water, but points out that the Gen-Xers (of which I am one) and Mellennials want to work in very different ways and structures than older generations.

Though the book is a bit repetitive, there is great insight to be gained from it. Business leaders will want this book, but there is a lot of value for church leaders, too.

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Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of Sticking Points in exchange for this review from Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to give a positive review.