1) Dr William Wan, Secretary-General, Singapore Kindness Movemen
Dr Maxine Teo’s Secret Manual is an insightful collection of interviews and analysis of the views of people across the generational spectrum. It is a helpful guide to understand the differences and similarities between the values and subcultures of each of the generations, from the Boomer to the Alpha. The characteristics of these generations are conveniently summarised. The analysis of the views of the generational representatives provides an interesting insider view of how each generation thinks and relates to others. Ignorance about generational aces and spaces contributes to inter-generational misunderstandings and conflicts. When they continue unresolved due to each generation making little or no attempt to understand and appreciate each other will inevitably lead to prejudices and unhappy working relationships. Prejudice is mostly a function of ignorance. I recommend this book to those who wish for better inter-generational working relationships. Take some time to read it, and you will find therein the gems of wisdom you need to find a better way to bridge the growing chasm between generations. (169 words)
2) Philip Merry PhD: Author The 9 Keys of Synchronicity
The Secret Manual of the Engaging Warrior by Maxine Teo, based on insightful analysis of interviews with 5 generations and Maxine’s many years of experience as a consultant and trainer on generational issues, is a powerful and thought-provoking read. So often generational work focuses on a single generation, when what is needed is an inclusive look at the pros and cons of working with each generation. In essence what is needed is generational intelligence, and that is exactly what The Secret Manual of the Engaging Warrior gives, helping us clarify how the wisdom of ALL generations is vital to our collective well-being in the workplace.
The book is a masterful blend of interviews, personal stories, research, and practical advice; Maxine’s writing is engaging and insightful, and her message of respect and understanding is one that we all need to hear and take to heart.
I highly recommend The Secret Manual of the Engaging Warrior to anyone who is interested in building stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether you are a business leader, a community organizer, or simply someone who cares about making the world a better place, this book is sure to inform and inspire you.
3) Scott Friedman, Author of Celebrate: Lessons Learned from the World’s Most Admired Organisations, and Past President of National Speakers Association, USA
Another excellent read written by Maxine Teo for those in Asia as well as those wanting to understand how better to work in Asia. This book is a much-needed beacon of understanding for individuals from all generations. Its illuminating insights will reassure you that you are not alone and it will provide you with effective strategies to enhance your professional relationships with superiors, colleagues, subordinates, stakeholders, and customers. By improving communication and collaboration, the overall happiness quotient in your workplace is likely to rise! How can you say ‘no’ to that?
4) Yannie Yong, Founder and CEO of Rose Of Sharon, TKS MS Singapore 2022
Love the multi-generational insights and seeking to understand the dynamics of business, culture, and creating a community to impact. Maxine’s unique heritage of British and Chinese brings authentic insights to each generation to uplift, inspire, and impact. As global countries work together around the world, this book is a must-read for Human Resource professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies that seek to embrace diversity.
5) Coen Sim, National Serviceman, Ministry of Defence
The second instalment of the Secret Manual series offers yet another refreshing and insightful lens with which to view the world; this time as a network of inter-generational connections that bridge cultures and communities alike. This book triggers a paradigm shift in readers that will make them rethink the way they connect with the young and old. Rather than dread doing so, it dares you to embark on new ways to connect with the people in your life in deep and meaningful ways.
6) Carmen Yap, Manager (Corporate Training) Aventis Learning Group
After reading Maxine’s first book on The Secret Manual of the Sales Warrior, which has empowered me greatly in my sales career, I was really looking forward to her second book… And it truly did not disappoint! This book is a powerful collective of the voices of each generation – their thoughts, attitudes, and perspectives – all thoughtfully consolidated through interviews with stellar individuals from each generation.
To Thrive In A Multi-Gen Workforce and society, this book lives up to its name and is a must-read manual that will enable us to develop patience, understanding and respect for the different generations.
7) Steven Sit, Financial Services Consultant, AIA Singapore
Maxine’s Secret Manual of the Engaging Warrior shed light on the pain points faced by Gen X like me as I am blessed to be able to do what I am passionate about: sales and advisory since 1991 meeting many people, multi-generational over three decades. I can totally relate and like the perspectives she shared on how we can do better.
The manual reiterated to us that each generation has its own values, priorities, and communication styles. It’s important to understand these differences and recognize that they can create opportunities for collaboration and growth. By acknowledging and appreciating these differences, we can build stronger relationships with team members and customers across generations.
I wished I had met Maxine earlier when I was an agency leader for I would be able apply what she shared in this Secret Manual. She pointed out that to be a leader in a multi-generational workplace, it is crucial to be flexible and adaptable to different communication styles and working preferences so as to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
8) Karolina Gwinner, Charismatic Leadership Thought Leader
An insightful and compelling book for anyone interested in connecting, communicating and collaborating more effectively across generations. I especially liked the diversity of backgrounds, personal experiences and perspectives shared by Dr Maxine Teo and her interviewees. I do admire her high level of generational intelligence that enables her to impactfully communicate and engage with multi-gen teams and audiences. I’m thrilled that she decided to explore this topic with a particular focus on Asia and to publish this book. A highly recommended read!
9) Eric Feng, CSP, Spoke in 37 countries globally to half a million sales professionals
In today’s world, empathy trumps eloquence. With this book by Maxine, we now know how to see things from different generations’ point of view. And with these precious insights, influencing and inspiring people online and offline will become so much easier!
10) Santosh Sirur, Banker, YouTuber
This book delves into understanding and sharing success strategies at work when faced with multi-culture, diverse domicile backgrounds. It demonstrates that whatever your conditioning, genres or environment that one grew up in, at the end of the day one must not only adjust but also deeply respect one other at work to achieve successful collaborative results.
Whether you are a business owner, manager, or individual contributor, if you are looking for winning strategies to:
- Communicate more effectively with bosses who are younger in age than you
- Connect with generations before you with different work ethos
- Shorten your learning curve to adapt to the future of work and team dynamics
- Collaborate successfully with different generations in the East and West of the world
- Boost your Generational Intelligence (GQ) to thrive in a multi-generational workforce
…. this Secret Manual is for you. Whether you have unlocked the first gate towards becoming a True Warrior after completing the reading of my first book, “Secret Manual of the Sales Warrior”, or starting on your journey with this book, you are at the right place at the right time. When you have unveiled the secrets awaiting you though the 10 chapters of power-packed content backed by research and experiences, you will be on your rite of passage to becoming a true Warrior at the workplace of the new world!
Are you ready?