generational diversity in the workplace billie taylor lynn lawrence
TRANSCRIPT
GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACEBillie Taylor
Lynn Lawrence
Agenda
Generational Differences The need to communicate the
differences How to generate synergy among the
generations Changing demographics
Four Generations in the Workplace
• Mature/Traditionalists/Veterans (born 1925-1942)
• Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960)• Generation X (born 1961-1981)• Gen Y (born 1981-2000) - baby boomlets, echo
boomers, Millennial, Generation Why?, Sept. 11 Generation, Dot-com Generation, Next generation
• Generation Z (born 2001-now) – homeland generation, silent generation, Generation 1-to-1
The Traditional generation
The Traditional generation is the oldest generation in the workplace, although most are now retired. Also known as the veterans, the Silents, the Silent generation, the matures, the greatest generation, this generation includes individuals born before 1945, and some sources place the earliest birth year to 1922 (www.valueoptions.com). Members of this generation [hereinafter Traditionals] were influenced by the great depression and World War II among other events and have been described as being conservative and disciplined, as having a sense of obligation, and as observing fiscal restraint (Niemic, 2002). They have been described as liking formality and a top down chain of command, as needing respect, and as preferring to make decisions based on what worked in the past (Kersten, 2002).
The Baby Boom generation
Most sources identify Baby Boomers as people born between 1943 and 1965. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Baby Boomers [Hereinafter ‘Boomers’] as individuals born between 1946 and 1964. The Baby Boom generation has also been referred to as the “pig-in-the-python” (Callanan & Greenhaus, 2008). This generation is referred to as the Baby Boom, because of the extra seventeen million babies born during that period relative to previous census figures (O’Bannon, 2001). It has had the largest impact on American society due to its size — roughly 78 million
Generation X
In a study about the civic engagement of Generation X, the U.S. Census Bureau defined this segment of the population as consisting of individuals born between 1968 and 1979. However, the upper limit of Generation X in some cases has been as high as 1982, while the lower limit has been as low as 1963 (Karp et al., 2002). This generation was also called the baby bust generation, because of its small size relative to the generation that preceded it, the Baby Boom generation. The term Generation X spread into popular parlance following the publication of Douglas Coupland’s book about a generation of individuals who would come of age at the end of the 20th century.
Generation Y
The lower limit for Generation Y may be as low as 1978, while the upper limit may be as high as 2002, depending on the source. Members of Generation Y may include individuals born between 1980 and 1999 (Campton & Hodge, 2006); 1978 and 1995 (The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association Office of Diversity, 2006); 1980 and 2002 (Kersten, 2002); and 1978 and 1988 (Martin, 2005). The label associated with this generation is not yet finalized. Current labels include Millenials, Nexters, Generation www, the Digital generation, Generation E, Echo Boomers, N-Gens and the Net Generation. Members of the generation have labeled themselves as the Non-Nuclear Family generation, the Nothing-Is-Sacred Generation, the Wannabees, the Feel-Good Generation, Cyberkids, the Do-or-Die Generation, and the Searching-for-an-Identity Generation.
Generational Traits Test
My generation spent most Saturday nights
A. At the movies and then at the drug store
B. At the bowling alley with friends
C. Cruising main street in our hot cars listening to Blondie
D. Talking on the Internet with someone from China
Generational Traits Test
Some of my generation’s favorite music was by
A. Frank Sinatra B. Beatles C. Madonna D. Usher
Generational Traits Test
The first thing my generation wanted to buy after graduation was A. A home B. A car C. A company D. A personal
computer
Generational Traits Test
In my generation birthday parties
A. Were only for rich people
B. Included a meal and cake I got to pick
C. Meant coming up with a cool new theme each year
D. Consisted of a jumping castle, a DJ and a caterer
Generational Traits Test
A favorite childhood toy of my generation was a A. Board game B. Hula Hoop or
bicycle C. Barbie or GI Joe D. Game Boy or
Playstation
Generational Traits Test
A favorite childhood drink of my generation was A. Coca-cola B. Kool-Aid C. Anything diet D. Starbucks
Generational Traits Test
Kids of my generation dreamt of becoming a famous sports star like A. Babe Ruth B. Roger
Staubach C. Michael Jordan D. Tiger Woods
Generational Traits Test
One of the biggest fashion statements of my generation was A. Starched white
shirts or girdles B. Bell bottoms or
wooly sideburns C. Designer jeans or
long bangs that stuck straight up
D. Baggy low-riding pants or body piercing
Generational Traits Test
When my generation thinks of their fathers, they think about A. The good care he
provided for the family B. The fun family
vacations he took us on
C. When he didn’t live at home any longer
D. My real dad or step dads?
Generational Traits Test
If my generation got into trouble, our moms would A. Spank us B. Say “Wait until
your father gets home!”
C. Put us into time out D. Ignore us until she
found a solution in a self-help book.
Generational Traits Test
Brothers/sisters in my generation A. Played with us
and helped us do chores
B. Were fun till we became teens
C. I see once a year, we both are so busy
D. Which one? Step or real?
Generational Traits Test
One of my generation’s daily chores might have included A. Setting the table or
heating water to wash the dishes
B. Washing or drying dishes
C. Loading or unloading the dishwasher
D. What dishes? We use paper plates
Generational Traits Test
When someone from my generation grew up, we wanted to be A. A doctor B. The President C. An
entrepreneur D. A celebrity
Generational Traits Test
Mostly A’s, you’re a Traditionalist Mostly B’s, you’re a Baby Boomer Mostly C’s, you’re a Gen X’er Mostly D’s, you’re a Millennial
Adapted from Graeme Codrington. Compiled by Beth Kneupper and Pam Foster
Traditionalists Statistics
Population – 44.2 million Events• Pearl Harbor bombing• World War II• Great DepressionIcons• Reader’s Digest• Blondie• Golden age of radioMusic• Benny Goodman, TommyDorsey, Frank Sinatra, EllaFitzgerald, Billie Holiday
Boomers Statistics
Population – 76 millionEvents• Vietnam• Man on the Moon• Woodstock• Assassinations of JFK, MLKIcons• Television• Birth Control Pill• Civil rights• Sexual Freedom• Peace, Love and Rock and RollMusic• Led Zeppelin• Beatles• Motown
Gen X Statistics
Population – 47 million Events• Civil Rights Movement• Challenger disaster• Fall of Berlin wall• Desert StormIcons• Martin Luther King• Personal computer• The Simpsons• Tattoos• Music videosMusic• Santana, Bee Gees, U2,
Madonna,Nirvana, Temptations
Gen Y Statistics
Population – 54 millionEvents• OK city bombing• OJ Simpson trial• Columbine shootings• Clinton-Lewinsky scandal• Challenger explosionIcons• Internet• Nintendo/Playstation• Beanie Babies• Web pages• Body piercingMusic• Whitney Houston, The Spice Girls,Backstreet Boys, Metallica, Selena,Michael Jackson1.5 million will graduate this spring
Gen Z Statistics
Population – 25.5 million so farEvents• 9/11• Iraq war• Digital revolution – broadband and
wifi internetIcons• Simulations/virtual icons• iPODs/iPhone• PDAs/cell phones• Google• Tivo• Reality TV• HD 3D video gaming• WikiMusic• American Idol, Britney Spears,Hillary Duff, Black-eyed Peas,Usher, Snoop Dogg
Working with Traditionals
Try:
• Formal, structured work environments – face to face meetings• Close proximity to co-workers• Partnering them with new hires• When communicating be clear, polite and concise• Train on new technology• Recognition for their loyalty and
service
If you are a Traditional:• Speak your mind – rock the boat• Try mentoring roles with Gen Y• Share your knowledge and be
open to new things
Traditional motto – “Ask not what your country can do for you – but what you can do for your country.” JFK
Working with BoomersTry:
• Have easy to use technology or nontechnology
options (phone is key)• Like to work in teams, collaboration and hands-on training• Lots of areas for impromptu meetings (break rooms, resource areas, etc.)• Including competition in some form• Make it about them – Their nickname is the Me generation• Focus on how they fit in the big picture (hierarchy)If you are a Boomer:• Try not to be overly sensitive• Put the process ahead of the results• Be open to others with differing opinions
Boomer motto – “He who has the most toys –WINS!”
Working with Gen X
Try:• Using technology• Get to the point• Be sincere• Problem solving orientation• TrainingIf you are an Xer:• Engage with your team.• Ask for what you need.• Be patient with the process.• Lighten up!Gen X motto – “Get a life and have some fun.”
Working with Gen YTry:• Nurture them.• Be open and friendly.• Make it fast and fun.• Give them opportunities for• collaboration.If you are a Gen Y:• Strive for independence.• Look for a mentor.• Listen more, talk less.• Learn to deal with conflict
Gen Y’s motto – “Make yourself useful and change the world!”
Working with Gen Z
This group is so new, we are not sure.
Try: • Only time will
tell.
Core Behaviors for Managers
1. Believing in employees
2. Helping employees achieve balance
3. Developing career plans with employees
4. Adapting to differences
Office Managers
1. Focus on the mission, goals, and vision
2. Create group synergy3. Validate the need for
individuality, but the need for team work
4. Create an environment for open communication
5. Enforceable Guidelines
What are They Looking For?
Traditionals• Consistency• Structure• Clear rulesBoomers• Leadership
opportunities• Team environment• Friendly
atmosphere
Gen X• Flexibility• Fun/informal• Development
opportunitiesGen Y• Collaboration• Challenges• Fun and flexible
Team Members Must
Everyone must know their roles They must know the impact of not
performing them as a team They must be properly trained Older techs are role models for the
other staff… make sure they perform in a manner you want others staff to perform
Must establish mutual trust They must be held accountable
Must be rewardedMust be reprimandedAccountability MUST BE
SPECIFICA leaders feelings should not be the reason for rewards or reprimands!
Team Concepts
Open Discussion Each stakeholder or group must
be aware of the teams importance Purpose or mission of team What is the expected outcome Resources needed to support the
team in it works Vision/direction Values: courtesy, respect, sensitivity Team Goals…established mark for
all members to attain Team Efficiency is based on a
team’s synergy
Attributes of Every Good Team
Trust… linked to the behavior of team
Ethical Behavior… doing what is right Sharing… actively listening and speaking Critical Judgment…sincere/tactful criticism Synergy…the ability to work with harmony/smoothly
Cooperation… breeds ownership Integrity…the bridge between character and
conduct
Out of the box performance
Great teams are never satisfied with status quo
Thinking outside of the box is a common practice
Keys to Effective Teams
Building Rapport and Relationships
Respect for what others do is a must!
Relationships among team members are the bonds that enable teams to accomplish goals
Relationships with other teams are the bonds that help to cross team boundaries to accomplish even more
Keys Cont…. Trust
If you forget any of the others, don’t forget this one
Trust is the cornerstone by which all teams build
Attitude
A positive attitude is a must
In the infamous words of Buzz Lightyear “To infinity and Beyond”
Keys Cont….
Flexibility…maintain a rigid state of flexibility
Skill/Experience - are the essential tools
required to accomplish the team task
Group Behavior - critical to goals,
vision, and mission, accomplishments (how well we work and play together)
Elements of Teamwork Effective Communication Commitment at all levels Leadership Common Purpose Common Goals Understanding Roles Ownership Mutual Respect Satisfaction Defined success Relationships
10 Things Every Employee Should Do
Show up on time Come prepared to work Greet your co-workers Communicate effectively Ask questions Get involved Avoid gossip Be positive Check out with co-
workers before you leave
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Specific Focused on critical items
Measurable Concrete deliverables
Achievable Produces highest
performance and motivation
Relevant Currency on important
issues
Time based Must have deadlines
Make a score card to track the goals
Use a thermometer or some other device to show progress for all
Leadership Guidance
Guidance from a new commander:
Col Pheln
--Do the right things, and do right--Take the initiative, own the mission--Lead humbly, follow enthusiastically--Care for Airmen and their families--Be safe
Communication
A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.I really need you to pay me a compliment.'The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's darn near perfect.‘
And then the fight started.....
Benefits of Effective Teams
Accomplish more faster Every team member
becomes stronger as the team becomes stronger
Higher expectations, higher outcomes
Staff is happier/motivated Less time spent on trivial
matters Many, more….survey
How to be Flexible
• Keep a bulletin board in thebreakroom with family
photos• Be clear with dress code• Be sensitive about religiousholidays• Update your policy manual• Options for time off• Ask your employees toeducate you about them• Have an open door policy
Resources
• Your coworkers, kids and grandkids• The Internet• Conventions/conferences/classes• Books– Connecting Generations, Claire Raines– Generations at Work, Zemke, Raines and Filipczak– America Generations, Mitchell– Managing Generation Y, Martin and Tulgan– Beyond Generation X, Raines– The Next Generation, Leung