Playing Well in the Sandbox

Or…Breeching the generational divide

to enhance collaboration in order to improve instruction.

2

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

5

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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Generations in the Workplace

6%

41%

30%

23%MaturesBoomersGen Xer'sMillennials

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AACPS Data (June 2010)

N=9822

4%

47%

35%

14%

MaturersBoomersGen XMillenials

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Matures:Workplace Characteristics

Respect authorityLoyal Understand paying duesWant respect for their

institutional wisdomMay be insulted by

continuous feedbackApprentice

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

13

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

15

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.

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Take Aways

All generations appreciate clear guidelines.

Communicate using multiple methods.

Differentiate recognition. Manage all differences in

ways that promote respect for everyone.