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…a generation is defined as a hybrid of both the
birth rates identified by demographers and the
major socio-historical events that occurred
during that time period.
The Road to Performance Success: Understanding and
Managing the Generational Divide
Generational Diversity
Generational Diversity
For the first time in modern history, workplace
demographics now span 4 generations.
20 year old new hires can find themselves working
side-by-side with colleagues who are older than they are
by 50+ years.
Generational Diversity
Engaged employees can only thrive in inclusive work environments- those that value, reward, and develop employees from all generations and give them opportunities to contribute.
According to a recent survey, more than 60% of employers are experiencing intergenerational conflict.
Generational Diversity
In order to understand how we can all work together, you must first understand who we all are.
Generational Diversity
What are the 4 Generations in today’s workforce?
• Traditionalist
• Baby Boomers
• Gen X
• Millennials
Generational Diversity
Traditionalist • Birth years
• 1901 – 1945
• 5-7% of the workforce
• Identify WWII as the single most important event of their childhood
• Shaped by the Great Depression
• Values hard work, respecting authority, seniority and organizational loyalty
Generational Diversity
Traditionalist • Everyone needs to do what they are
asked
• Job hopping is a career buster
• Pensions are critical
• Team focused; the group is more important than the individual
• Make do or do without
• Never told they were special or unique
Generational Diversity
Traditionalist Life Events The Great Depression
Canada & US enters WWII
Korean War
Pearl Harbor
D Day in Normandy
Rise of the Labor Unions
Snow White debuts
Golden Age of radio
Generational Diversity
Traditionalist Life Events Golden Age of the Radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHBBE9hFR-A
Generational Diversity
Traditionalist and How to Manage
• Understand there will be conflict with Millennials
• Cross Train for Opportunity
• Be sensitive to change
• When in conflict, defer to Seniority
• Determine what they can offer and allow them to teach
• Loyal to the organization
Generational Diversity
Baby Boomers • Birth years
• 1946-1964
• 40-44% of the workforce
• Parents who lived through the Depression and WWII believed life would be better for the next generation
• Team focused, dedicated, knowledgeable, service oriented
• Work up to position that demands respect
Generational Diversity
Baby Boomers • First generation to grow up with a
television
• Prefer in-person communication
• What ever it takes attitude
• Work from 8-6, then take it home
• Leaving a company may be necessary
Generational Diversity
Baby Boomer Life Events US Man lands on the Moon
Vietnam War
Cold War
Civil Rights Movement
Assassination of JFK & Martin Luther King
Woodstock
Women’s liberation demonstrations
Television becomes dominant media
Death of Elvis ?
Generational Diversity
Baby Boomers Music
R&B Influence
Disco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DBI7Ykosmw
Generational Diversity
Baby Boomers and How to Manage
• Understand there will be conflict with Xer’s
• Career Path
• Opportunity for growth, both personal and work
• When in conflict, defer to Seniority
• Determine what they can offer and allow them to teach
• Loyal to the team
Generational Diversity
Generation X’; Xer’s • Birth years
• 1965-1979
• 32-33% of the workforce
• Many mothers working outside of home
• Many Gen Xer’s affected by divorce
• Embrace change, independent, adaptable
• Take care of self, work to live
• Work/Life balance is important
Generational Diversity
Generation X’; Xer’s • Unimpressed with political and
economic leaders
• Resist labels from media, parents, teachers
• Many don’t accept the label of Gen X as a definition of their identity
• Changing companies may be key to success
Generational Diversity
Xer’s Life Events Global Energy Crisis
Tandy and Apple market PCs
AIDS identified
Challenger disaster
Stock Market Plummets
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Operation Desert Storm
Rodney King beating and riots in LA
Massive downsizing in corporate America
Generational Diversity
Generation X Music Hip Hop
Grunge
Alternative
Hair Bands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOZwPPB7DZk
Generational Diversity
Gen X and How to Manage
• Loyal to their Manager
• Career is part of them
• Open dialogue to resolve conflict
• Flexible work style
• Straight forward, brutally honest
• Colleagues are friends
• Focus on results
Generational Diversity
What is a Millennial?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrRtwV4Sjdc
CNN Dialouges
Generational Diversity
Generation Y; Millennials • Birth years
• 1980-2000
• 25% of the workforce
• Grew up with technology
• Always seen the world as global and connected 24/7
• Encouraged to make own choices and taught to question authority
Generational Diversity
Generation Y; Millennials • Multitask, driven to grow
• Policies/procedures are just guidelines
• Respect given to those who take them seriously
• Leave at 5:00pm, can log in later
• Quick Career path
• Feedback hounds
Generational Diversity
Millennial Life Events Oklahoma City bombing
Death of Princess Diana
School violence (Columbine massacre)
The digital age
Monica Lewinsky / Bill Clinton scandal
Terrorist attacks of 9/11
US led War on Terror
Generational Diversity
“You do have to speak to them a little bit like a therapist on television might speak to a patient. You can’t be too harsh. You can’t tell them you’re disappointed with
them. You can’t ask them to live and breathe the company because they’re
living and breathing themselves and that keeps them very busy” Marian Salzman
Generational Diversity
Zombie Apocalypse Millennial music as as diverse as the generation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzrHo1TMYtk
Generational Diversity
Millenials and How to Manage
• Higher positions and how quick can they get there
• Fluid work style
• Prefer change
• Opinionated
• Determine what they can offer and allow them to teach
• Loyal to colleagues
• Casual with superiors
Generational Diversity
18-33
People resemble their times more than they resemble their parents.
“People resemble their times more than they resemble their parents.”
Generational Diversity
18-33
People resemble their times more than they resemble their parents.
How has Generational Diversity presented obstacles in your workplace?
Generational Diversity
18-33
People resemble their times more than they resemble their parents.
It is imperative that different generations communicate to understand their similarities and find ways to resolve differences, so that team, divisional and organizational performance can be increased. A high-producing, integrated organization will be best equipped to respond to the demands of a changing economy. The successful organization must focus its efforts on people management strategies that bridge the gap between generations to create more productive relationships. By leveraging the knowledge of the similarities and differences between generations, organizations can create a work environment that complements generational skills and avoids clashes and conflicts. http://www.ngenperformance.com
Generational Diversity
18-33
People resemble their times more than they resemble their parents.
Thank you. Joel Steadman [email protected]