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Generational Differences

Generational Differences. Anna Abbey & Sharon Ridings OGC Diversity Dialogue Initiative March 24, 2011. Introduction . What are the four generations in the workplace and why should we care?. Welcome. There are four f lip c harts around the room.

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Generational Differences

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  1. Generational Differences Anna Abbey & Sharon Ridings OGC Diversity Dialogue Initiative March 24, 2011

  2. Introduction What are the four generations in the workplace and why should we care?

  3. Welcome • There are four flip charts around the room. • Each flip chart has a generational label written at the top: • Traditionalists • Baby Boomers • Generation X • Millennials • Write down one or two ways you’ve heard this generation described.

  4. The breakdown • Traditionalists • 1925-1945 • End of WWII • Approximately 75 Million • Baby Boomers • 1946-1964 • Largest population ever born in the US. • Approximately 80 Million • Gen-Xers • 1965-1979 • Smaller but influential • Approximately 46 Million • Millennials • 1980-1993 • Approximately 76 Million

  5. Traditionalist Born: 1937 Boomer Born: 1949 Millennial Born: 1981 Gen X Born: 1970

  6. Generational Diversity Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival. ~ Rene Dubos • Objectives • Gain a clearer understanding of generational differences • Understand the benefits of generational diversity • Appreciate the need to communicate with respect • Learn to tap into experiences and talents of others

  7. Why look at generational differences? • 60+% of employers: experience tension between generations • 70+% of older employees: dismissive of younger workers abilities • 50+% of younger employees: dismissive of older workers abilities* * Managing the Millennials, 2010

  8. Why look at generational differences? • Benefits: • Increased teamwork and productivity • Full engagement • Less frustration in the workplace • More effective communication • More effective motivational efforts • Appreciation for similarities

  9. What’s in a generation? How do you define a generation? Generation: The entire body of individuals born and living at about the same time. What makes each generation unique?

  10. What Creates a Generation? • Life cycle effects • We change as we age • Period effects • We are affected by the major events in our lives • Cohort effects • We are affected most as young adults * Pew study, 2010

  11. Generational Values • What do you value most • Helping others in need? • Living a very religious life? • Owning a home? • Having a successful marriage? • Having lots of free time? • Becoming famous? • Being a good parent? • Having a high paying career? • Other?

  12. Generational Values * Pew study, 2010

  13. Discussion • Identify the societal, cultural, personalities and\or events that “define” your generation on post it notes. • Group according to your generation • Traditionalists • Baby Boomers • Generation X • Millennials • Discuss, and record results on the flip chart and have someone brief the class.

  14. What makes us different How does each generation approach work?

  15. Discussion • Go stand under the label that best fits the generation you represent. • Discuss with your group and record on your flip chart what you see as some of the differences between your generation and the other generations. • Choose a spokesperson to share your comments.

  16. Examples of Differences

  17. “Job Changing” * When Generations Collide, 2005; Pew study, 2010

  18. Motivators

  19. Technology * Pew study, 2010

  20. Traditionalist Born: 1928 Boomer Born: 1955 Gen X Born: 1973 Millennial Born: 1984

  21. Technology * Pew study, 2010

  22. Technology * Pew study, 2010

  23. Communication The solution to all of our problems

  24. Communication • Understand how we communicate • Ask good questions • Listen effectively • Share expectations • Written communication • Be open to differences!

  25. Asking good questions • Prevents you from relying on assumptions • Improves your understanding • Helps you make better decisions • Builds relationships and trust • Such as: • What is your preferred form of communication? • What sort of feedback would you prefer? • What are your expectations?

  26. Listen effectively • Listen without thinking about your own responses or judgments • Pay attention to tone, body language, etc. • Restate to make sure you understood correctly • Ask both clarifying and probing questions • Use the three channels

  27. Share expectations • Reflect on what you expect from coworkers and managers • Find an appropriate time to discuss • Share your expectations as appropriate, ask for theirs

  28. Written communication • Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation • Mind your P’s and Q’s • Review your writing • NEVER USE ALL CAPS • Be clear when conveying emotion • Beware of sarcasm • Use humor appropriately • Avoid emoticons in professional settings ;)

  29. ? Questions? ? ? ?

  30. Sources • Espinoza, Chip. Managing the Millennials. Wiley. 2010. • Lancaster, Lynne. The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace. Harper. 2010. • Lancaster, Lynne. When Generations Collide. Collins Publishing. 2005. • MDA Learning Center. Generational Differences Presentation. • Pew Research Center. The Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change. Feb. 2010. http://pewresearch.org/millennials/ • Sujansky, Joanne. Keeping the Millennials. Wiley. 2009. • Zemke, Ron. Generations at Work. AMA Publications. 2000.

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