communicating across a multi-generational campus

20
Michelle Baker phase(two)learning September 2014 Communicating Across a Multi- Generational Campus

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These slides are part of the "Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus" workshop, delivered at Ball State University in September 2014. Workshop facilitated by Michelle Baker, phase(two)learning. phasetwolearning.com - [email protected]

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Page 1: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Michelle Baker

phase(two)learning

September 2014

Communicating

Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Page 2: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Today’s Agenda

• Welcome, introductions, session overview

• “Common Ground”

• 5 Generations in the Workplace

• Your place in the Generational Pool

• Generational Characteristics

• Tips to Effectively Communicate with

People of Each Generation

• Key Messages

• Final Thoughts, Tools & Resources

Page 3: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Welcome!

Tell us about yourself! • Your name

• Your role

• Something you’re hoping to get from

today’s session

Page 4: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Michelle!

Learning Strategist, phase(two)learning

Manager, Learning & Development, Finish Line

Let’s connect!

LinkedIn

linkedin.com/in/mbaker826

Twitter

@MichelleLBaker

Blog

phasetwolearning.wordpress.com

Email

[email protected]

Page 5: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

“Common Ground”

With your small group, list as many things as you can think of

that EVERYONE in the group has in common.

Examples: “We are all wearing brown shoes.”

“We are all the oldest sibling in our families.”

“None of us have been to Europe.”

Small Group Exercise

How many can your

group come up with in

3 minutes?

Page 6: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

5 Generations in the Workplace

For the first time in history,

today’s workplace employs 5

generations of workers:

• Traditionalists (born 1918-1945)

• Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)

• Generation X (born 1965-1980)

• Generation Y (“Millenials”) (born

1981-1995)

• Generation Z (“Linksters”) (born

1996-present)

Significant historical and socioeconomic events - “generational

signposts” - have shaped each generation.

Understanding the characteristics and motivation for each generation will help

colleagues to understand and communicate and work together.

Page 7: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

5 Generations in the Workplace

(1918-1945)

- Stock market crash

- Great Depression

- New Deal

- Pearl Harbor

- WW2

- Death of FDR

- Polio vaccine

- Korean War

- GI Bill

(1946-1964)

- Television

- The Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show

- JFK assassination

- Civil Rights

- Woodstock

- Man walks on the Moon

- Women’s Lib/Equal Rights

- Vietnam War

- John Lennon shot

(1965-1980)

- Personal computers

- Sesame Street

- Fall of Berlin Wall

- End of Cold War

- “Latchkey kids”

- Challenger disaster

- “MTV generation”

- Oklahoma City bombing

(1981-1995)

- Internet

- Cell phones & smartphones

- OJ Simpson trial

- Columbine massacre

- Sept. 11 attacks

- Invasion of Iraq

- Birth of social media

- “Everyone gets a trophy”

(1996-present)

- “Digital Natives”

- Obama – first black President

- Marriage equality debate

- “Helicopter parents”

THIS GENERATION IS

STILL BEING DEFINED!

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Gen Y (Millenials) Gen Z (Linksters)

Page 8: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Characteristics of Traditionalists

in the Workplace:

• 13% of today’s workforce

• Rarely complain

• Solid experience; tempered wisdom

• Fans of conformity

• Frugal

• Dependable; strong work ethic

Page 9: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Characteristics of Baby Boomers

in the Workplace:

• 26.4% of today’s workforce

• “Workaholic” tendencies

• Optimistic

• Thrives on recognition and career

progression

• Titles and hierarchy matter

• Not always comfortable with technology

Page 10: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Characteristics of Gen Xers in

the Workplace:

• 19.8% of today’s workforce

• Former “latchkey kids” – self-reliant

• Results-oriented

• Realists, sometimes skeptical

• Freedom is the ultimate reward

Page 11: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Characteristics of Gen Y & Z in

the Workplace:

• 27.7% of today’s workforce (<1%

Gen Z)

• Technically savvy – natural

networkers

• Socially conscious – looking for work

that has meaning

• Competitive and confident

• Seeks immediate gratification,

recognition and promotion

• Can struggle with autonomy and

making decisions

Page 12: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Exercise – Pin the Trait on the Generation

Everyone will be given a card with

a generational trait.

Attach your card to the generation

with which it is most closely

associated.

We’ll discuss as a group - be

prepared to explain what you

chose and why!

Page 13: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Video - Generational Differences

Page 14: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Despite the Differences…

Despite generational differences, there are also

some similarities:

• Everyone wants and deserves to be respected

• Leaders must be trustworthy

• No one really likes change

• Loyalty depends on context

• Most people want to learn and develop

• Most people appreciate honest feedback

Page 15: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Tips for Communicating Across Generations

For the first time in history, today’s

workplace employs 5 generations

of workers:

• Match formality to the culture

• Use multiple communication methods –

tailor your approach to the recipient

• Consider motivation tactics

• Ask, don’t assume

• Be willing to learn, be willing to teach –

recognize when each is appropriate

It’s everyone’s responsibility to accept, respect and acknowledge

generational differences across the workplace!

Page 16: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Small Group Exercise

With your small group, review

your assigned scenario.

Discuss suggestions on how the

people in the scenarios could

recognize generational

differences and effectively

communicate.

We’ll discuss as a group - be

prepared to share your scenario

and summarize your discussion

with the entire group!

Page 17: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Key Messages

• There are currently 5 distinct

generations in the American

workplace

• Each generation has been

shaped by significant historical

and socioeconomic events, or

“generational signposts”

• Despite the generational

differences, everyone deserves

to be heard and respected

Page 18: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Your Action Plan

In your handout, write down 2-3

things you will do to improve

communication in your

department or other

departments across campus.

• What will you do differently?

• How will it enhance communication?

• Who will hold you accountable?

Page 19: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Key Messages

Want to learn more about communicating

across generations?

• Helpful resources listed in your handout

• Today’s slides available for download on

Slideshare

Got questions? Need more info? Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @MichelleLBaker

Page 20: Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus

Any questions?