Smooth business relations are even tougher when generations clash. It’s not that there aren’t norms anymore, but that each generation follows different ones.

Since there are three distinct generations uneasily sharing the workplace today—with the vanguard of the fourth at the door—that’s quite a conundrum.

“The American workplace has never before seen such a volatile mix of generations with such widely divergent attitudes toward work and life,” say Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman, who wrote When Generations Collide. They cite “seismic changes in the way work gets done, arguments over everything from work hours to work attire, and no single generation able to set the norms.”

The two explain that the generations are intrinsically different because of their unique histories. That’s always occurred, of course, but to a lesser degree. Today conflict is exacerbated because people live and work longer, and the pace of change has accelerated.

To soothe working relationships, it helps to know at least a little about each generation’s personal style as well as work style.

The outlook of Traditionalists, born until 1945, was forged by the Depression and World War II. Today as a group they remain disciplined, patriotic, fiscally conservative and loyal, the authors say.

Traditionalists tend toward more traditional business attire and more traditional organizational structures. They’re less likely than Generation Xer’s to quickly embrace the newest technology.

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, were coddled during unprecedented prosperity then seared by Vietnam and Watergate. Generally, they’re competitive and idealistic.

Boomers don’t expect to work at a single company for their entire careers, as their parents did. They’re not afraid to tackle new technological gadgets. Their business attire and demeanor frequently tend toward the casual.

Generation Xer’s, born between 1965 and 1980, are an independent bunch, say Lancaster and Stillman. They’re starting most new businesses now.

The ones who opt to work as employees often see themselves as free agents, ready to change jobs often in search of advancement. Without a doubt, Gen Xer’s are technological whizzes.

Peering in the office door are Millennials, born since 1981. They saw their parents laid off during two recessions, which left them understandably pragmatic about their world. They’re just now getting settled in offices.

For all of these generations to get along in the business world, Lancaster advises, “people must get much better at reading the other generations. Put up your radar, and if you can’t figure it out, ask.”

It always helps to be flexible and show mutual respect. The generations won’t agree, but can compromise. And just because others are older or younger than you doesn’t mean you can’t learn from them.

For example, although you probably don’t want to talk like someone a generation older or younger—“Hey, Dude” just doesn’t sound right coming from a 60-year-old mouth—you can learn each generation’s unique lingo.

And be patient. Generational values differ. Find out why a person believes or acts a certain way before taking offense.