1. Working with Multi-Generations
Patricia Haddock

2. VS. What Is a “Generation”?
The term “generation” refers to a group of people who have shared certain experiences in their formative years—music, values, education, communication styles, historical events, work ethic, cultural experiences, and so on. This mixture of shared experiences leads to commonality and a level of homogeneity for members of that generation.
It is dangerous to stereotype any group; when it comes to generations, commonalities characterize each and make them significantly different from each other. Generally, members of each generation fall into certain categories with similar values and interests, while individual attitude, preferences and characteristics can vary wildly. Nonetheless, understanding each generation from a broad perspective can make it easier to work more productively with members of each.
Distinctions among generations can be seen easily when we look at films that characterize each.

3. Four Generations Traditionals 1922–1943/1946 Baby Boomers
1943/1946–1964
Gen X
1960/1964–1980
Gen Y
1980–2000
Four Generations
Which generation are you?
Right now, there are four generations in the workplace and the fifth generation is just around the corner. Never before have managers needed to juggle such an age-diverse staff. Advanced technologies have increased life spans, and fragile economies have required people to work longer. Retirement age is now edging toward 70, which means the generation gap in today’s workplace is the greatest and most complex it has ever been.
Everyone has different perspectives on the meaning of work, how it should be done, and what workplaces should be like – all of which add to the potential for conflict.
Organizations that are generationally savvy value the differences between people and look at differences as strengths. People who have varied perspectives always have the potential to bring different thoughts and ideas. The possibility for positive creative synergy is immense. However, the different values, worldviews, ways of working, thinking, talking, even dressing, can set people in opposition to one another.

4. Traditionals--Influences
Great Depression
World War II
Nuclear family
Radio and film

5. The “Silent” Generation
Are reserved and unemotional
Resist change of any kind
Expect people to be reliable and responsible
Prefer high touch, not high tech
Loyalty and respect for authority are major strengths this generation brings to the workplace; however, these characteristics also make it difficult for Traditionals to see other’s points of view or to compromise. Work is survival, and it is supposed to be hard, not fun or easy. Everyone is expected to be loyal and dependable, obey the rules, respect authority and not ask questions.
This generation is characterized by:
Conformity
Personal integrity
Loyalty
Rule of law
Status quo

6. Getting Along with Traditionals
Value their experience
Use them as a resource to learn what has and hasn't gone right
Appreciate their dedication
Thank them in writing
Communicate one-on-one

7. Baby Boomers--Influences
Vietnam War
Cold War
Civil rights movement
Women’s movement
Peace Corp
Television
Moon walk
Sex, drugs, and rock and roll

8. The “Me” Generation Competitive Workaholics
Like visibility and recognition
Relationship builders
Judgmental
Politically savvy
Prefer both high tech and high touch
Boomers view work as fulfillment and will put in long hours to achieve career and professional success. They tend to frown on those who don’t. Personal sacrifice for one’s job and career is expected and admired; however, want their efforts to be rewarded with promotions and recognition and can be extremely competitive to achieve their goals.
Baby Boomers are characterized by:
Television
Commitment to change
Rattling the status quo
Making things better
Workaholism
Volunteerism

9. Getting Along with Boomers
Show respect
Choose face-to-face conversations
Avoid multitasking
Build relationships with them
Focus on process, not results
Praise them for working hard

10. Generation X--Influences
Latchkey children
Recession
Scandals in government
Environmental movement
Technology
MTV and music videos

11. The “Independent” Generation
Are distrustful and skeptical
Are independent and self-confident
Prefer flexibility
Are impatient
Prefer high-tech, not high touch
This is the first generation raised with computers, and they prefer virtual working environments over physical ones. They are loyal to themselves and their families, not their employers. Bureaucracy and adherence to what they view as unnecessary rules and regulations will send them looking for new employment. They have a “look-out-for-yourself-first” attitude.
Gen X characterized by:
Computers
Skepticism
Independence
Resilience
Adaptability
Distrust of authority
Need for work/life balance

12. Getting Along with Gen X
Respect their free time
Be direct and to the point
Know your stuff
Use electronic communication and solutions
Focus on results, not process
Send it via and text.
Talk about them.
Non-work time is off limits.
Be direct.
Give them honest, straightforward feedback on results.
Avoid “canned” communications
They are to-the-point and expect to be treated that way, too. Don’t be too diplomatic or try to get them excited because of who they will be working for.
How can you use this information to better understand the Gen Xs you work with?

13. Millennials--Influences
Technology
Social media
Diversity
Equality
Hip Hop, Rap

14. Millennials—Generation “Y Not?”
Are optimistic and self-confident
Are eager to learn and easily bored
Are mega-taskers
Like being part of a team
Are inclusive
Prefer technology solutions
High-tech, some high touch
Gen Ys are an extremely confident generation who have come to believe they can do anything without failing. It can be hard to correct them or give them constructive feedback since they rarely heard anything negative about their behavior or accomplishments growing up. Their parents hovered over them and often fought their battles for them—something that has been carried into the workforce.
Characterized by:
Fast
Fun
High expectations
High tech
Diversity
Self-confidence

15. Getting Along with Millennials
Treat them as equals and colleagues
Mentor and coach them
Keep things light and fun
Focus on teamwork and collaboration
Recognize and respect their abilities

16. Action Steps
Choose one or more of these action steps and decide how you will implement it with each generation.
Traditionals
Baby Boomers
Gen X
Gen Y