Generations at WorkLeading and Motivating in

the NWS

Nezette RydellWFO Brownsville

Remember the first time talking to a member of the staff and you realized they thought you were old ?

Remember talking to an older/younger employee or supervisor and thinking they just don’t get it ?

Concepts seem obvious but often remain abstract until we have to deal with them.

Our assumption about how people will behave or react are mostly subconscious

Why we’re uncomfortable in a foreign or unfamiliar culture…our assumptions have no relevance and we feel unable to relate.

Background

½ staff or more have 20 years experience Someone on your staff younger than your

children Someone your staff older than your parents Talked with someone on your staff about

their manner of dress Describe your staff as static, stable, little

change last 5 to 10 years or more

How Many of You Have ?

First new hire may be a shock Old NWS blend/meld/indoctrinate into NWS culture

approach may not be valid Expectations differ between generations This isn’t all that new - What You Are Is Where You

Were When – Morris Massey If you’re wondering why I’m talking to you about

this…◦ Honolulu – 3 forecasters in their 70s◦ Brownsville - Hired SOO, WCM, ITO, 2 journeys and an Intern

(behind a retirement with 40+ years) all in my first 9 months◦ None of WFO Brownsville journeys were ever NWS interns◦ WFO Brownsville journeys range in age from 24 to 59.

If you answered yes…

The Lost Generation - Came of age shortly after World War I.

The Greatest Generation - Served in World War II.

The Silent Generation - Born between the two World Wars, too young to join the service when World War II started.

Baby Boomers – Born 1944-1960, a time that included a 14-year increase in birthrate worldwide. Gave birth to Generations X and Y.

Generation X - born between 1964 to 1981. AKA 13th Generation and Baby Busters. Grew up with video games, MTV and the end of the Cold War.

Generational Definitions

Veterans

Tweener – AKA Generation Jones - born between the Baby Boomers and Generation X.

The MTV Generation – 1975-86, caught between the end of Generation X and start of Generation Y, influenced by the launch of MTV and the popularization of Web technology after 1995. Their peak is usually given as (1975-1986). AKA the Boomerang Generation.

Generation Y – 1980 -2001 also known as the Echo Boom although Millennials or Internet Generation is becoming more common. Grew up with many world-changing events including the rise of mass communication, the Internet, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Generation Z – after 1990, New Silent Generation or Homelander Generation is the youngest of generations thus far.

Generation I – born after the internet became mainstream (1993). Also referred to as Digital Natives or the Net Generation.

Generational Definitions

Great Depression World Wars I and II The New Deal Korea Radio Watched America move from economic

deprivation to wealth Credited Federal Government with Doing The

Right Thing Memories of family dinners cooked by Mom

with Dad at the head of the table.

Veterans - Formative Events

Value ◦ Hard work◦ Loyalty◦ Commitment◦ Patience◦ Structure◦ Consistency

Challenges◦ Change◦ New Technology◦ Meritocracy

Veterans - Characteristics

Ask about their experience Appreciate and respect what they did before

you arrived on the scene Prefer face-to-face contact over e-mail Provide flexible alternatives to those who no

longer wish to work full time

Tips for Working with Veterans

Civil Rights Movement Space Race Viet Nam War Draft Assassinations Earth Day Lunar Landing Rock and Roll Television Post War Prosperity Memories of TV dinners heated by Mom.

Baby Boomers – Formative Events

Value◦ Hard work◦ Can-do attitude

Idealistic Politically active Like to work in teams Self-indulgent (Me generation) Willing to stand apart from the crowd Consume more and save less Willing to change jobs for economic gain and

personal satisfaction

Boomer Characteristics

Recognize and reward accomplishments Opportunities to work in teams Work to build consensus Recognize challenges of Sandwich

Generation◦ Elder care issues◦ College Expenses◦ Need for family-friendly workplace

Tips for Working with Boomers

Sesame Street Watergate Iranian hostage crisis Fall of the Berlin Wall Desert Storm Latchkey kids Divorced parents Computers in high school Memories of cooking microwave dinners home

alone because the custodial parent was working late.

Generation X – Formative Factors

Skeptical Work smarter versus working harder Expect compensation for extra effort Sense of entitlement See an uncertain future Embrace technology Less teamwork more individual effort Less physically fit than Boomers

Gen X – Characteristics

Specify goals and allow freedom to work as they see fit

Opportunities for self-development Fun and excitement for work Life outside work is important Day care challenges Family more important than work issues Xers want access to high levels of

information and decision making early in their careers.

Tips for Working with GenXers

Motivators vary within and between generations

Money Recognition Days off Advancement Preferred assignments

Motivators

Old Guard – We’ve always done it this way.

New Blood – Fresh hires with new ideas, new attitudes, new experiences.

Interlopers – Passing through on the way to bigger and better things.

Diversity Within Generations

Composite – none of these reflects a single individual!

All are rooted in real experience(s).

Case Studies

Live First, Work Second: Getting Inside the Head of the Next Generation - Rebecca Ryan

What You Are Is Where You Were When – Morris Massey videos

Geeks and Geezers: How Values and Defining Moments Shape Leaders – Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas

Managing Generation X: How to Bring Out the Best in Young Talent – Bruce Tulgan

Resources