Download - Or… Breeching the generational divide to enhance collaboration in order to improve instruction
Playing Well in the Sandbox
Or…Breeching the generational divide
to enhance collaboration in order to improve instruction.
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Objectives
Identify the four generations and their characteristics, values, and workplace preferences and behaviors.
Determine how you may facilitate each generation to enhance collaboration.
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Caveats
Generational differences are oneaspect of diversity.
The generation we grow up in is just one of the influences on adult behavior.
Over generalizations of generations leads to stereotypes.
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Four Generations- One Workplace
Matures Boomers Gen Xers Millennials 1922-1946 1946-1964 1965-1980
1980-2000
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Identify and Testify
Take quiz.
Huddle Up.
Come to consensus on major world events that influenced your lives.
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Enduring Understanding
The events and conditions each of us experience during our formative years help shape our values, ideas, work methods, and ways of communicating.
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Matures Lived through WWII:duty, honor, sacrifice, respect for authority
BoomersLived through Civil Rights Movement & space travel:Optimism, involvement, teamwork
MillennialsLive in Digital Age with constant reinforcement:Think more globally, multi-task, ( Time = currency) team oriented, need feedback
Generation XLived through computer revolution, mothers in the workplace, energy crisis, Challenger disaster: Self-reliant , techno-savvy, fun and informal, seek balanced life
Generational Values
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Matures:Workplace Characteristics
Respect authorityLoyal Understand paying duesWant respect for their
institutional wisdomMay be insulted by
continuous feedback
Apprentice
Leader
20 yrs.
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Boomers:Workplace Characteristics
Workaholics - defined by workCompetitive – display their
successLike the process of teamworkWant occasional feedbackFear replacement
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Generation X:Workplace Characteristics
Self-reliantMinimal supervision desiredBalance in work and familyLike to have fun at workTechnologically savvyApproach authority casually
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Millennials: Workplace Characteristics
ConfidentSociable ResilientAppreciate diversityAppreciate teamworkKnow what they want and
usually get it
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Matures’ Workplace Preferences
Clear expectationsClear lines of authorityDon’t like being rushedAppreciate company history - “We used to…” Phones, memos, face-to-face
communication
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Boomers’ Workplace PreferencesDiscussion as a means of problem
solvingWant to be asked for input: “Call me anytime.”One-on-one coaching to improve performancePhones and face-to-face
communicationRecognize with certificates and
salary
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GenX Workplace Preferences
Aren’t afraid to ask questions of authority, but don’t want to be micro-managed
Don’t do workplace politics Respect must be earned Respect life outside of work Live by cell phone, but only call about work at work Feedback needs to be immediate and continuous Recognize with time off
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Millennials’ Workplace Preferences
Committed to dedicated causes Want clear expectations Set goals and strategies Discussion groups One-on-one coaching Communicates through internet, text, Facebook, and Twitter Recognition and feedback same as Gen X
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Considerations for Collaboration
Know generational characteristics of your teams
Respect the differences Plan for and use strengths
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Activity
In pairs consider the work assets and liabilities of each generation.
Develop two examples for enhancing cross generation collaboration.
Be ready to share your results.
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Collaborating Across Generations
Matures and Boomers want respect for experience and like face to face communication. Pair with Millennials who need regular feedback and can share technology skills.