a successful multi-generational work environment (from backpacks to briefcases)
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A Successful Multi-Generational Work Environment (From Backpacks to Briefcases). Megan Martin Training/Development Coordinator University of Missouri Extension. The New Generation!. Stella Marie Bildner 12-02-2010. The Effect of Our Times. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
A Successful Multi-Generational Work Environment (From Backpacks to Briefcases)
Megan MartinTraining/Development CoordinatorUniversity of Missouri Extension
The New Generation!
Stella Marie Bildner 12-02-2010
The Effect of Our Times
The shared events and conditions each of us experience during our impressionable years help define the generation we grew up in.
The Effect of Our Times
The generation we grow up in is just one of the influences on adult behavior.
allow me to be stereotypical
Why Learn About The Generations?
Changing demographicsBetter understanding of colleague and
client relationshipsImprove communication Promote teamworkBottom line
Four Generations At Work
Traditionalists (Matures): born 1922-1945
Baby Boomers: born 1946-1964
Generation X: born 1965-1980
Millennials (Generation Y): born 1981-2001
66 – 89 yrs old)
47 – 65 yrs old
31 – 46 yrs old
10 – 30 yrs old
Four Generations At Work
Traditionalists (Matures): born 1922-1945
Baby Boomers: born 1946-1964
Generation X: born 1965-1980
Millennials (Generation Y): born 1981-2001
78 million
41 million
80 million
Generational Differences
What the older generation says about the younger generation:
Young people want change.Tastes and styles are different.They don’t have much of a work ethic.
Generational Differences
What the younger generation says about the older generation:
The older generation doesn’t respect that things are different.
The older generation always says “When I was your age . . .”
The older generation likes to lecture too much.
Generational Differences
May, 1968
Shared Events
Think about the shared events for each generation. Write down those events on the work sheet.
Think of news headlines, politics, entertainment, technology, leadership, etc.
Events and Experiences
Great DepressionFRD – One President World War IIRadioKorean War
Traditionalists:
Characteristics
Hard workersDedication & sacrificeRespect for rules/authorityDuty before pleasureHonor, loyalty without
questioning
Traditionalists:
Events and Experiences
Civil Rights Movement
Sexual Revolution/ Rock and Roll
Cold WarSpace travelAssassinations
Boomers:
Characteristics
Optimism, energeticSolved problems by
changing the rulesHierarchy at workPersonal gratificationLive to work – their
sense of identity
Boomers:
Events and Experiences
WatergateWomen’s
Liberation/Latch Key kids
Energy CrisisSpace Shuttle
Challenger explodesPCs and technology
Xers:
Characteristics
Accept DiversityTechno literacyFun and informalitySelf-reliant/independentPragmatic/practicalGood problem solvers
Xers:
Events and Experiences
Oklahoma City bombing
Columbine School shootings
9/11Child focused worldClinton / LewinskyTechnology Explosion
Millenials:
Characteristics
Respect DiversityTechno embracingConfident/Sense of
entitlementVolunteering/civic
mindedLive in the immediacy
of the momentGood problem solvers if
they are given choices
Millenials:
Values in the Workplace
Years of service, hard work, tradition, following rules, loyalty, respect authority
Baby Boomers:
Traditionalists:
Training, working long hours, moving up based on seniority, teams, involvement
Generation X:Work smarter not longer, pro-active approach to their career, need to see the reason for the task, value time off, give them structure, they will provide you feedback
Millenials:Hard workers but like to have fun, comfortable with mistakes, work with the community, willing to take on projects, like immediate and often feedback
Core Values
Traditionalists: respect for authority
Boomers: teams, involvement
Gen Xers: skepticism, fun, informality Millennials:
realism, confidence, extreme fun, social
Colliding IssuesGenX supervising Millenials
Very independent Very dependent
Millenials supervising BoomersNot automatically respectful Automatically respectful
Boomers supervising Xers and MillenialsWorkaholic Work/Life Balance
Xers & Millenials supervising Traditionalists and Boomer Tech savvy Not so much tech savvy
Other issues?
A Successful Workplace Environment
How did the workplace look when you began your job at your youngest years, compared with how it looks now?
Successful Work Place Environment
What does a successful work environment look like?
Successful Work Place Environment
What does a successful work environment look like?
• Optimistic and clear leadership• Teamwork• Engaged and contributing employees • Work that challenges and fulfills• Work that meets a need• Clear expectations• Happy/content employees• Secure in budget/future• Fun and fulfilling work relationships – co-workers and
supervisors• Continuing Professional Development
Core Values
Traditionalists: Respect for authority
Boomers: Teams, involvement
Gen Xers: skepticism, fun, informality
Millennials: realism, confidence, extreme fun, social
Successful Work Place Environment
Successful Work Place Environment
Respect for authority
Teams, involvement
Skepticism, fun, informality
Realism, confidence, extreme fun, social
What are the plusses
of each generation
that we should be
taking advantage of?
A Successful Workplace Environment
What is changing on the workplace horizon?
A Successful Workplace Environment
What is changing on the workplace horizon?
A Successful Workplace Environment
What steps are needed in order
to ensure we have a
successful multi-generational environment?
What Is Needed for Success in the Multi-Generational Workplace?Accept and embrace all generations—Leverage all
as a source of great potential (instead of a cause for tension)
Change your way of thinking – respect old way/ embrace new way
Invest in the right technology
Develop engaging training
Create new roles
Thank You!
References
Zemke, Ron; Raines, Claire and Flipczak, Bob. Generations at Work: Managing the clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace. New York. AMACOM, 2000.
Lancaster C., Lynne, Stillman, David. When Generations Collide. Harper Collins, 2002
Center for Generational StudiesOffice of Institutional Equity, Duke UniversityNemiro, Jill; Beyerlin, Michael; Bradley, Lori;
Generational Differences in Virtual Teams. Jossey-Bass 2008