successfully leading multiple generations in the workplace

Successfully Leading Multiple Generations in the Workplace

Sound Familiar?

• Looking for meaningful work• Seeking challenge• Chance to prove themselves and show they can

perform well• Enjoys contact with people• Desire to be in a position of responsibility• Resents being looked at as though they have no

experience• Tends to be more job mobile• Less respectful of authority

Who does this describe?

Training and Development Journal

November 1970Sorry Boomers, the other generations in the workforce

didn’t like you when you started working!

Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

Workplace Values

Veterans Boomers Gen Xers Millennials

Career Goals

Build a legacy Build a stellar career

Build a portable career

Build parallel careers

Rewards Satisfaction of a job well done

Money, title, recognition, corner office

Freedom is the ultimate reward

Work that has meaning for me

Work-Life Balance

Support me in shifting the balance

Help me balance everyone else and

find meaning myself

Give me balance now! Not when

I’m 65

Work isn’t everything. Need

flexibility to balance my other

activities

Job Changing

Carries a stigma Puts you behind Is necessary Is part of the daily routine

Training I learned the hard way, you can too!

Train ‘em too much and they’ll

leave

The more they learn, the more

they’ll stay

Continuous learning is a way

of life

Source: When Generations Collide

VeteransAssets: Experience, enhanced knowledge, dedication, focus, loyalty, stability, emotional maturity, perseverance

Possible issues: Reluctant to buck the system, uncomfortable with conflict, may want to keep things the way they are

Messages that Motivate: “Your experience is respected here”

Rewards: Tangible symbols of loyalty, commitment, and service including plaques and certificates

Methods of Communication: Memos, letters and personal notes

Don’t be surprised by their desire to learn computers and technology!

Baby BoomersAssets: Service orientation, dedication, team perspective, experience, knowledge

Possible issues: May put process ahead of results

Messages that Motivate: “We need you”, “ Your opinion is valued”

Rewards: personal appreciation, promotion, and recognition

Methods of Communication: phone calls, personal interaction

Be prepared for changes in work styles and priorities as retirement gets closer!

Generation XAssets: Adaptability, techno-literacy, independence, creativity, willingness to buck the system

Possible issues: Skeptical, may distrust authority

Messages that Motivate: “Do it your way”, “there aren’t a lot of rules around here”

Rewards: Free time, opportunities for development, certifications to add to their resumes

Methods of Communication: Voice mail, email

Sometimes referred to as the “middle child” generation, don’t be surprised if

Gen X is frustrated by a lack of opportunity!

MillennialsAssets: Collective action, optimism, ability to multi-task, and technologically savvy

Possible issues: Need for supervision and structure, inexperience-particularly when dealing with difficult people

Messages that Motivate: “Your work makes a huge difference here”

Rewards: Awards, certificates, tangible evidence of credibility

Methods of Communication: texting, instant messaging, snapchat

Millennials will be far more loyal to their organization if they feel you have a

holistic approach to them as an employee!

Study your top Employees

Generation Z• Want an active role in their communities, and families and will likely want

this from work. They are eager to have an impact

• Far more ethnic diversity. Caucasians may become a minority for this generation

• In comparison to Millennials, their parents are more likely to be hands off and provide opportunities for learning and growth

• There is a good chance they will be able to hit the ground running as shifting education styles have focused more on soft skills

• Growing up in the worst economic conditions since the great depression, they will likely be financially savvy, cautious, and frugal

• Strong likelihood they may become a strong entrepreneurial generation

• Will be the most technologically advanced generation in history

If you remember nothing else, remember this…

Assumptions?

Jennifer Fisherjennifer@jenthreepointzero.com

Download this presentation from:Twitter: Jenfisherfw

www.jenthreepointzero.com

Thank You!!!