Conquering the Generational Divide Customer Communication Group Susanne C. Medley, President susanne@thinkccg.biz Carl L. Medley II, Partner carl@thinkccg.biz

Conquering the Generational Divide Objectives Introduce you to the workforce of tomorrow…”generationally speaking” Offer ideas for how you can better Attract and recruit Manage Retain Relate to Work with Serve Conquering the Generational Divide

Generational Overview Matures 1920 – 1945 Baby Boomers 1946 – 1965 Generation X 1966 – 1980 Generation Y 1981 – 2000 Millenials 2001 - Present

Conquering the Generational Divide

Conquering the Generational Divide Defining a Generation Generation: (je-n&-’rA-sh&n), n., a group of individuals born and existing at the same time who share common life experiences and thus share common attitudes and traits. Conquering the Generational Divide

Why Generational Awareness is Important Generational Differences: Give you context, understanding, and sometimes choices. Influence why we work, how we work, where we work, and what we expect from our work. Each generation’s work attitudes, habits, and expectations were formed by the historical and social events that took place during its formative years.

Single-parent homes and Latch-Key kids Shaping the Generations Events and Experiences that Frame Their Existence Matures Great Depression Radio Patriotism Checkers Baby Boomers Economic Prosperity Television Civil Rights Movement Uno GenX Watergate Computers Single-parent homes and Latch-Key kids Speak-n-Spell GenY Technology Internet School Violence Virtual Reality Games

Shaping the Generations What Motivates Them to Succeed Matures Money Responsibility Public Recognition Accomplishment Control Organizational loyalty Baby Boomers More money Promotion Peer and boss recognition Desire to be in charge Bonuses and parking space GenX Time off Skills training Achieving personal goals Stock options Recognition from boss Need their space GenY Work and play intermixed Need continuous supervision and guidance

Shaping the Generations Generational Assets in the Workplace Matures Stable Detail-oriented Thorough Loyal Hard-working Baby Boomers Service-oriented Driven Good with relationships Team players Consensus builder GenX Adaptable Techno literate Independent Not intimidated by authority GenY Optimism Multi-task Techno savvy

Shaping the Generations Generational Liabilities in the Workplace Matures Don’t handle change well Don’t want to shake the foundation Don’t like conflict Baby Boomers Not budget-minded Process ahead of results Sensitive to feedback GenX Impatient Poor people skills Cynical No loyalties GenY Need for supervision / structure Three years Inexperience

What is the Common Ground? Work that provides personal satisfaction Work that is valued by employers and customers Clear sense of purpose from employers Clearly stated expectations Quality supervision – effort is made to understand Your organization’s mission statement What is the common ground, regardless of generations? Work that provides personal satisfaction Employers who understand personal lives are important Work that is valued by employers and customers Clear sense of purpose from employers Clearly stated expectations Quality supervision – understands them Your company’s mission People leave managers and supervisors more often than they leave companies Money is not in the top five It takes more than just perks, policies, and pay to keep good workers. Mostly, it’s about the manager-employee relationship. Now I’m going to play “tag” with Carl. He’s going to talk about the value of embracing the generational differences and how to effectively do so.

Recruitment: Getting What You Need Be creative Web Sites DVDs CD-ROMs Self Promotion Be involved Community level State level Educational Institutions Associations Think outside the classified ads Job fairs Guest lectures Online communities Online job sources Don’t go it alone…build a TEAM

Management: Dealing with What You Get Listen and observe…carefully Be involved FOR your staff Communicate clearly and frequently Be aware of Diversity in the workplace Generational Cultural Skill sets Wants and dreams Embrace the diversity that IS today’s workforce and make it work FOR you, not against you Be patient

Retention: Keeping What You Have Invest in your human capital Compensation…it is NOT just about the money Build your TEAM, your ENVIRONMENT and your CULTURE (“WOOHOO”) Talk to your staff about what a “great place to work” means Tour other “great places to work”

Questions? Thank you! Good luck! WOOHOO!