Cam Marston 2004 Wheel of Learning

Q: What do I need to know about the four generations that will impact my workplace?

Generational Repetition: 1)Each generation assumes the following generations will want what they have and will share their same definition of “success”. 2)Each generation then believes the following generations should “pay their dues” the same way to earn that success. 3)With a few exceptions, each generation thinks the following generation has had it much easier.

Part I: Who are we talking about? Generational Definitions

Millennials, AKA: Baby Boomlets Echo Boomers Generation Y Generation Why? September 11 Generation Dot-Com Generation

The US Population Today

The Generations in the Workplace

Part I – Understand the background of each generation. Two Theories: 1. The oldest, wealthiest, and most visible members of a generation define the behavior and attitude for those that follow.

Definitions of a Generation Common Experiences Shared Values

The Matures Duty, honor, country Dedication, sacrifice Conformity, blending, unity – “We First” Patience Hard, hard times then prosperity National pride Doing a good job was most important Age = Seniority

The Baby Boomers Work ethic = Worth ethic 2 “workaholic”; competitive Success is largely visible – trophies, plaques, lifestyle elements Optimistic Consumers Defined by their job Personal development We are the world; We are the children

The Boomers… Long hair Longing for hair Acid rock Acid reflux Hoping for a BMW Hoping for a BM Rolling Stones Kidney Stones Trying to look like Liz Taylor or Marlon Brando Trying NOT to look like Liz Taylor or Marlon Brando Killer weed Weed killer

Generation X Came of age when our national institutions came into question. “This company never promised you anything.” Layoffs – end of lifelong employment No common heroes Suspicious of Boomers values Raised as their parent’s “friends” Had to learn to fend for themselves Very self-reliant Cynical and pessimistic

Millennials Optimistic Individualistic yet group oriented Difficulty focusing on “non-stimulating stuff” Busy Like “X”, raised as their parent’s friends. Acknowledge and admire select authorities Think the Matures are cool! Parents, too. Ambitious yet appear aimless

Part I – Understand the background of each generation. Two Theories: 2. Identify a generation’s heroes and you’ll learn their value systems.

Heroes Matures Boomers Gen X Millennial

Cam Marston 2004 Wheel of Learning NCCCS

Cam Marston 2004 Wheel of Learning NCCCS

For Further Thought

What characteristics are you looking for in employees or students or co- workers? Discipline Focus Execution

Discipline Focus Execution The next generation may also bring: A desire for open, non-hierarchal communication Tolerance and respect for expressing emotion An acknowledgment and respect for personal values Allowances for spirituality Teams of individuals

Heroes Matures Boomers Gen X Millennial

Cam Marston 2004 Wheel of Learning NCCCS