1. Mary Abbajay, Principal
Generation Matters! Celebrating Generational Diversity in the Workplace!
Mary Abbajay, Principal
Careerstone Group, LLC
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2. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Generation Matters
“Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers...”
Socrates BC
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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3. What's New In This Generation Gap?
First time four generations are working side by side in the American workplace
The American workplace has changed
Increased global competition
The Millennials hit the workplace in huge numbers
Rapid rise of and shifts in technology
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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4. Who are the Four Generations?
Veterans, Matures or
Traditionalists
Born:
50 to 52 Million
5% - 6% of workforce
Baby Boomers
Born:
76 Million
38% to 40% of workforce
Generation X
Born:
46 to 52 Million
30% to 35% of workforce
Millennials, Nexters or Gen Y
Born:
75+ Million
20% to 25% of workforce
Neil Howe & William Strauss, “Generations”
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC

5. Generational Projections and Stories
Stories/Projections about older generations:
Stuck in their ways, resistant to change, technophobes, reluctant to give up power, retired in place, clogging the system, etc.
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC

6. Generational Projections and Stories
Stories/Projections about younger generations:
Impatient, disrespectful, entitled, spoiled, technically advanced, book smart—not street smart, poor work ethic, no loyalty. etc.
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC

7. Generational Commonalities
Different generations have common needs and frustrations in workplace
We often articulate these needs and frustrations differently
Awareness & appreciation of different perspectives is key to building on commonalities!
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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8. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Those Dang Fool Kids!
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9. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Intent Versus Impact
We judge ourselves on our intent
Others judge us on our impact
It is our responsibility to manage our impact
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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10. What Influences a Generation?
Core values are programmed into us during the first 15 years of life through four major influences:
Parents/Family Structure
Economic Status, Ethnicity, Religion, etc.
Events
Technology Shifts
Cultural Norms
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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11. Traditionalists Born 1922-1945
52 Million
5% of Workforce
Rapidly disappearing from full time work
Loyal to employer
Promotions, raises, and recognition come from job tenure
Measure work ethic on timeliness, productivity, and not drawing attention
Military model: rank & status; structure & authority; chain of command
These work world beliefs and models still have strong influence
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12. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Baby Boomers Born
76 million
38 to 40% of workforce
Mid to late career: entering traditional retirement age
Large and in charge
Career oriented–willing to work long hours
Long period of economic prosperity
Social change agents
“Me Generation”
Youth oriented
Lifestyle satisfaction focus
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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13. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Baby Boomers Born
76 million
38 to 40% of workforce
Mid to late career: entering traditional retirement age
Large and in charge
Career oriented–willing to work long hours
Long period of economic prosperity
Social change agents
“Me Generation”
Youth oriented
Lifestyle satisfaction focus
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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14. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Baby Boomers Born
76 million
38 to 40% of workforce
Mid to late career: entering traditional retirement age
Large and in charge
Career oriented–willing to work long hours
Long period of economic prosperity
Social change agents
“Me Generation”
Youth oriented
Lifestyle satisfaction focus
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
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15. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Generation X Born
51 Million
30% to 35% of Workforce
Mid-career--moving into leadership positions
Sandwiched between 2 huge generations
Long period of economic and institutional insecurity
Educated, entrepreneurial workforce
Independent free agents
Skeptical, pragmatic, and results oriented
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16. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Gen Y Media Attention
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17. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Generation Y Born 1981 to 2000
75+ million
20%-25% of workforce (and growing!)
Will soon outnumber Gen X
Launching Careers
Educated
Competitive
Democratic family systems
Helicopter parents
“Quarterback Generation”
Trophy Generation
Wiki World
Socially oriented
Looking to contribute now!
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC

18. Gen Y Workplace Attractors
Advanced technology
Camaraderie
Developmental opportunities
Competitive compensation
Flexible work schedule
Green work places
Recognition
Teamwork
Innovative work aligned with interests
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19. Workplace Strategies: Gen Y
Onboard
Clarify expectations!!!
Encourage cohort
Manage first job blues
Provide rotation opportunities
Manage, coach, mentor
Provide timely feedback
Challenge them: provide meaningful work
Professional development
Flexible work
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20. Messages That Alienate Y
Success comes from a solid, proven work ethic.
You must pay your dues. We all have.
We expect and reward for loyalty.
Because, it’s the way we’ve always done it.
© 2014 Careerstone Group LLC

21. Organizational Change & Gen Y
Less invested and connected to “old ways”
Digital natives
Accustomed to immediacy
Desire for connectivity
Natural pollinators
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22. Communicating Across Generations
Approach Generational Differences with interest and curiosity, not fear or negativity
Be mindful of your assumptions: clarify values & language!
Separate intent from impact
Articulate expectations, perspectives and needs
Put yourself in their shoes
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23. New Isn’t Always Better!
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24. © 2014 Careerstone Group LLC
Closing Thoughts
Today’s organizations must manage, develop and lead a 21st Century workforce
Align organizational needs/wants with workforce needs/wants
Flexible talent development: One size does not fit all!
Mentoring (and reverse mentoring) can play an important role in leveraging Generational Diversity
We have more in common than we think
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25. ©2014 Careerstone Group, LLC
Thank You! Good Luck!
©2014 Careerstone Group, LLC