Generational Differences in the Fire Service

Objectives  Describe the characteristics of the generations in the fire service  Discuss the “Generational Divide”  How to “bridge the gap” of the Generational Divide  Show the similarities that are shared uniquely among the generations in the fire service

A Generation Is  A body of individuals born in approximately the same time period who generally share similar behaviors and attitudes.

Generations in the Fire Service  BOOMERS ( )  Gen X-ers ( )  Gen Y-ers “Millennials” ( )  Gen Z-ers “Linksters” (1995-present)

Boomers  years old  Optimistic  “Live to Work” attitude  Motivated by Achievement  Rather communicate face to face or by phone than any other means  Prefers feedback once a year with documentation (May be insulted by continuous feedback)

Generation X-ers  years old  Skeptical & Individualistic  “Work to Live” attitude  Values relationships with co- workers above relationships with their employer  Prefers to get feedback by asking “how am I doing?”(immediate and continuous)

Generation Y-ers (Millennials)  years old  Hopeful & Optimistic  “Work my Way” attitude  Values diversity, structure, and relationships  Prefers to learn in groups or with Technology  Comfortable communicating via text or social media  Mentoring: constant feedback needed  Share ideas openly as part of their “team” mentality.  Try new approaches to attain objectives  Gen Y is most in need of mentoring and responds well to personal attention  Prefers feedback at the push of a button, “whenever I want it” (Immediate and continuous)

Generation Z-ers  21and younger  Soon to be up and coming in the Fire Service  Realists and Entrepreneurs  Want instant gratification  Grew up on iPads, Facebook, Twitter, Smartphones, YouTube, etc.  Not much else is known….

GenerationalDivide Generational Divide  Gens X,Y, & Z want things done now, no waiting  Boomers want to take a slow and methodical approach to completing most tasks

Generational Divide  Causes:  Career Values  Technology  Working Styles  Slang

Bridging the Gap  Generational Needs:  Boomers :  Offer flexibility, authority, and respect  Challenge them to keep growing & learning  Engage them as teachers, mentors, and coaches. They have a wealth of knowledge!  Gen-Xers :  Manage with a coaching style  Use as a “Bridge” between the Boomers and Millennials  Give fast feedback and credit for results  Push them to keep learning  Millennials :  Fair and direct management who are engaged in their personal development  Know their capabilities, put them in roles to push their limits!  Treat them as professional colleagues and they will act like Professionals  Keep them focused with speed and interactivity

Bridging the Gap  How to bridge the gap  How to bridge the gap :  Clarify the goals.  Everyone has a common purpose.  Don’t lead with judgements about age.  Be careful not to follow blanket stereotypes.  Don’t confuse character issues like immaturity, laziness, or stubbornness as generational traits.  Accommodate different learning styles.  Mentoring is a 2-way street, generations learn from each other. We all have something to give.  Realize everyone has something to bring to the table.  Don’t automatically dismiss different approaches to completing tasks.

Fire Service Similarities  As a Fire Service, we are unique in the fact that this job attracts a certain breed of people. Whether a Boomer, Gen-x, or a Millennial we share a lot of similar “traits”. We should and most often use this to our advantage to get the job done.  Some of the traits we share are:  Respect  Trust  We want credible and trustworthy leaders  Everyone wants to genuinely do a good job  No one likes change, but it’s part of the job  Everyone wants to learn  We want to be communicated to  We are working towards the same goal

Conclusion  The Fire Service isn’t a corporation, we can’t just change the way we do business to accommodate all generations, but we can learn to work with each other better.  Regardless of age, people are influenced by their environment.  Millennials starve for strong leadership, mentors, and good role models. It’s the job of the seasoned Veterans to provide it.