Demographers identify four distinct generations in today's work force: traditionalists, baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y. It's not unusual to have all four working together in the same organization. Yet it's still the case that a recent college grad might land in an office with mostly older workers or vice versa - that a seasoned worker putting off retirement might take a position with a startup populated by Gen Y go-getters.

The "office oldster" or "workplace whippersnapper" who is outnumbered by significantly younger or older co-workers will possibly need to overcome stereotypes associated with their generation and prove their relevance to the organization.

Meaghan Johnson, a Phoenix-based professional speaker who bills herself as a "generational humorist," asks younger and seasoned workers in her audience to yell out stereotypes of each other. Invariably, the stereotypes for Generation Y - the youngest employees in the work force - include their perceived lack of work ethic, expectations of instant gratification and their lack of communication skills outside of texting, instant messaging and social media. From Generation Y's perspective, older workers are slow, don't understand technology and harbor a bullish resistance to change, Johnson says.

Although their specific challenges differ, the youngest or oldest person in the workplace shares a goal: to be acknowledged as an important contributor to the organization.

Advice for workers who are "wet behind the ears":

1. Expect to pay some dues. Somewhere along the way, "Younger workers developed the expectation that they'll come out of college making six figures," says Lori Mattison of Mattison Resources, a business coaching company with offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, N.J. That's unrealistic, and so is the notion that you'll sashay into the C-level suite soon after graduation.

2. Ask for help. Sure, it's important to be resourceful and seek out your own solutions first. But if you're unsure about something or struggling with your work load, speak up. After all, you're new and not expected to know everything.

3. Sharpen your communication skills. The time-saving shorthand used in casual e-mails and text messaging does not pass for communication in the business sector, which favors complete sentences and actual face time. "Make a point of asking co-workers how they want to communicate," Johnson says. Older workers generally prefer more face-to-face interaction.

4. Dress the part. Among workers of a certain age, frayed jeans and flip flops won't fly. If you dress too casually or revealingly, your judgment will be questioned.

5. Don't set your own schedule. You may be quicker with technology than your older colleagues but leaving early with no explanation suggests to them that you're slacking. Once you've proved yourself, perhaps you can make a case for flexible work hours.

6, Develop a thicker skin. Parents of Generations X and Y were all about instilling self-esteem. The result: younger workers tend not to take criticism well. "When they receive feedback from their supervisor, they become defensive and reactive if it's not all positive," Mattison says. Take some time to process criticism. Then, if you still question its fairness or validity, schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss.

7. Act confident but not cocky. "Never, ever preface a comment with, Well, I'm only one year out of college but..." writes 23-year-old New Yorker Allison Jones in her blog, "Entry Level Living." Instead, "Say something like, From my experience as a recent college graduate..." That way, you are being insightful and sharing a unique perspective."

Advice for workers who are "up in years":

1. Update your technological skills. Otherwise, "Young people have a certain advantage because they're so adept," Johnson says. Don't be too proud to ask for mentoring from a younger co-worker.

2. Impart wisdom without condescension. If you feel that a young co-worker could benefit from your business experience, acknowledge the fresh perspectives and technical skills he or she brings to the organization. Then, "Say, I would like to be just as helpful to you as you've been to me," says Gloria Petersen of Global Protocol, a Phoenix-based business etiquette and protocol consultancy.

3. Don't be an old crank. A young company might have a relaxed dress code or flexible start time. Deal with it. If you rank high enough to shape company policy, instead of enforcing a rule just because that's the way it's always been ask yourself if relaxing or eliminating the rule would affect quality, customer service or safety. If not, consider doing away with it, Johnson advises, or younger workers may rebel.

4. Embrace innovation. "Don't just discount ideas because they seem outside the box," Johnson says. "If you're certain, based on experience, that an idea won't work, be prepared to explain why."

5. Share information early and often. Your young colleagues are accustomed to receiving constant, instantaneous feedback - from "wired" friends and family members and even from video games - and to rapid-fire exchanges of info.

6. In speech and writing, be direct and brief. It's true: Your younger colleagues have shorter attention spans. But they process information quickly and likely perceive you as "slow."

7. Don't play mom or pop. Younger people tend to be more open about their personal lives and although lending a sympathetic ear might help you fit in and secure allies, resist your parental instinct to solve their problems. "If they take your advice and it doesn't work, it creates resentment," Mattison says.