Generational Dynamics of Union Membership Generational Influences A key factor in human development. Each generational grouping carries distinct.

Generational Generational Dynamics of Union Dynamics of Union

MembershipMembership

Generational InfluencesGenerational Influences A key factor in human development.A key factor in human development. Each generational grouping carries Each generational grouping carries

distinct characteristics and behaviors.distinct characteristics and behaviors. Based on “value programming”.Based on “value programming”.

Morris Massey, …”you are what you were Morris Massey, …”you are what you were when…when…

Certain characteristics are predictable.Certain characteristics are predictable. Not true for all peopleNot true for all people

Generational InfluencesGenerational Influences

Affects nearly all aspects of Affects nearly all aspects of life in organizations.life in organizations.

Perceptions of those who Perceptions of those who are “Different”are “Different”

Your generational influences affect your Your generational influences affect your perceptions.perceptions.

Perceptions affect your attitudes and Perceptions affect your attitudes and actions.actions.

Attitudes and actions affect your ability to Attitudes and actions affect your ability to communicate and “get along”.communicate and “get along”.

How Do You Perceive How Do You Perceive Differences?Differences?

Difference Tolerance Difference Tolerance QuotientQuotient

W. A. A. 3

Five Living GenerationsFive Living Generations

Civic or GI generation – 1901 to 1931Civic or GI generation – 1901 to 1931 Mediating or Matures – 1932 to 1944Mediating or Matures – 1932 to 1944 Baby Boomers – 1945 to 1963Baby Boomers – 1945 to 1963 Diversity Generation or Generation X – Diversity Generation or Generation X –

1964 to 19811964 to 1981 Millennial Generation or Generation Y Millennial Generation or Generation Y

(Why?) 1982 - 2002(Why?) 1982 - 2002

Civic or GI Generation – Civic or GI Generation – Born 1901-1931Born 1901-1931

Hit Songs of 1931 - Hit Songs of 1931 - ““As Time Goes By”As Time Goes By” ““Brother Can You Spare a Dime”Brother Can You Spare a Dime” “ “ I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In a Five and I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In a Five and

Ten Cent Store)”.Ten Cent Store)”.

Characteristics of the Characteristics of the Civic/GI GenerationCivic/GI Generation

Came out of an agricultural economyCame out of an agricultural economy Lived as young adults through the Lived as young adults through the

Depression, then experienced and era of Depression, then experienced and era of unprecedented economic growthunprecedented economic growth

After WWI, worked to gain economic After WWI, worked to gain economic rightsrights

Sense of optimism – Characterized as Sense of optimism – Characterized as the “Greatest Generation” – Tom Brokawthe “Greatest Generation” – Tom Brokaw

Civic or GI Generation – Civic or GI Generation – Born 1901-1931Born 1901-1931

This generation built the TVA dams, the This generation built the TVA dams, the Interstate Highway systems, grew the Interstate Highway systems, grew the NAACP, organized the Boy and Girl Scouts NAACP, organized the Boy and Girl Scouts and started the AARPand started the AARP

Members of this generation include George Members of this generation include George Bush Sr., Jimmy Carter, Bob Dole, Rosa Bush Sr., Jimmy Carter, Bob Dole, Rosa Parks, Stan Musial, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Parks, Stan Musial, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Sandra Day O’Connor, Jack Bennett, Sandra Day O’Connor, Jack Kennedy and Frank Sinatra.Kennedy and Frank Sinatra.


A generation characterized by teamwork, A generation characterized by teamwork, optimism, sense of black and white, right and optimism, sense of black and white, right and wrong and civic pride.wrong and civic pride.

““Ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.Ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. ““Penny saved is a penny earned.”Penny saved is a penny earned.” ““A woman’s place is in the home.”A woman’s place is in the home.” Brought these characteristics to every problem Brought these characteristics to every problem

they encounter.they encounter. Parents of the Baby Boomers.Parents of the Baby Boomers.


Baby Boomers carry over aspects of the Baby Boomers carry over aspects of the Civic Generation;Civic Generation; Concern for detailsConcern for details Dedication to the jobDedication to the job ““If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

Baby BoomersBaby BoomersBorn 1945 to 1963Born 1945 to 1963

Hits of 1945 - Hits of 1945 - ““Sentimental Journey” - Doris Day and Les BrownSentimental Journey” - Doris Day and Les Brown ““Rum and Coca Cola” - Andrews SistersRum and Coca Cola” - Andrews Sisters ““Until the End of Time” - Perry ComoUntil the End of Time” - Perry Como

Hits of 1963 - Hits of 1963 - “ “ She Loves You” - The BeatlesShe Loves You” - The Beatles ““Louie, Louie” - The KingsmenLouie, Louie” - The Kingsmen ““It’s My Party” - Leslie GoreIt’s My Party” - Leslie Gore

Baby BoomersBaby BoomersBorn 1945 to 1963Born 1945 to 1963Post WWII – Era of prosperityPost WWII – Era of prosperity Grew up more secure –outward focusGrew up more secure –outward focus Served in Vietnam but also protestedServed in Vietnam but also protested Size of generation gave them great powerSize of generation gave them great power ““The world is their oyster”The world is their oyster” Efficiency and teamwork vs. Efficiency and teamwork vs.

sacrifice/hard worksacrifice/hard work Optimism, materialism, “self help”Optimism, materialism, “self help”

Baby BoomersBaby BoomersBorn 1945 to 1963Born 1945 to 1963 Started the wave of change.Started the wave of change. ““Schizo” about control issuesSchizo” about control issues

Interested in feedback but invested in the Interested in feedback but invested in the status quo.status quo.

Will ask for input but will react negatively to Will ask for input but will react negatively to a lack of respect.a lack of respect.

Boomer GenerationBoomer Generation Network television with Saturday morning Network television with Saturday morning

programmingprogramming Flying saucer sightings are reported for the first Flying saucer sightings are reported for the first

time.time. Elvis appears on Ed SullivanElvis appears on Ed Sullivan Air raid drills are mandatory for all public Air raid drills are mandatory for all public

schoolsschools Brown vs. Board of Education is debated Brown vs. Board of Education is debated

around the country.around the country. The “pill” is mass marketed for the first time.The “pill” is mass marketed for the first time.

Cultural Icons of BoomersCultural Icons of Boomersaka “Schizos”aka “Schizos” Captain KangarooCaptain Kangaroo Fall out sheltersFall out shelters The peace signThe peace sign Romper RoomRomper Room SlinkiesSlinkies Laugh InLaugh In

Hula HoopsHula Hoops Bell Bottom pantsBell Bottom pants Ed Sullivan ShowEd Sullivan Show TV DinnersTV Dinners The Mod SquadThe Mod Squad Tie died shirtsTie died shirts

What to Remember About What to Remember About BoomersBoomers

The largest and most influential generation. The largest and most influential generation. Size and economic power will have them Size and economic power will have them center stage for the next 25years.center stage for the next 25years.

Went to college in record numbers.Went to college in record numbers. First generation dominated by the mass mediaFirst generation dominated by the mass media

Media image is very important in businessMedia image is very important in business

What to remember about What to remember about Boomers!Boomers!

Optimistic: Willing to go into debt, betting on Optimistic: Willing to go into debt, betting on the future – Invented Credit Cardsthe future – Invented Credit Cards

Team and process oriented – sometimes to Team and process oriented – sometimes to the detriment of results.the detriment of results.

Strive for convenience and personal Strive for convenience and personal satisfactionsatisfaction One step in the past/one in the futureOne step in the past/one in the future

Nostalgic about their youth and strive to Nostalgic about their youth and strive to keep it. Invented face lifts and hair keep it. Invented face lifts and hair transplants!transplants!


Work is very important and want meaning in Work is very important and want meaning in what they do.what they do. Focused on their success and the success of the Focused on their success and the success of the

team.team. Always working towards the next promotion.Always working towards the next promotion. Original Workaholics.Original Workaholics.

Don’t understand why others are not motivated Don’t understand why others are not motivated to achieve their version of success.to achieve their version of success.

Believe that process and participation can Believe that process and participation can solve any problem.solve any problem.

Love meetings and committees!!Love meetings and committees!!


Supportive Behaviors & Tips For Supportive Behaviors & Tips For Communicating With Baby BoomersCommunicating With Baby Boomers Boomers are the "show me" generation, so your Boomers are the "show me" generation, so your

body language is important when communicating.body language is important when communicating. Speak in an open, direct style but avoid controlling Speak in an open, direct style but avoid controlling

language.language. Answer questions thoroughly and expect to be Answer questions thoroughly and expect to be

pressed for the details.pressed for the details. Present options to demonstrate flexibility in your Present options to demonstrate flexibility in your

thinking.thinking.

Diversity Generation or Diversity Generation or Generation X - Born 1964 to Generation X - Born 1964 to 19811981

# Top Songs – 1964# Top Songs – 1964 ““I Wanna Hold Your Hand” - BeatlesI Wanna Hold Your Hand” - Beatles ““She Loves You” - BeatlesShe Loves You” - Beatles ““Where Did Our Love Go” - SupremesWhere Did Our Love Go” - Supremes

# Top Songs – 1981 – # Top Songs – 1981 – ““Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim CarnesBette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes ““Endless Love” – Diana Ross – Lionel RitchieEndless Love” – Diana Ross – Lionel Ritchie ““Lady” – Kenny RogersLady” – Kenny Rogers

Diversity Generation or Generation Diversity Generation or Generation X Born 1964 to 1981X Born 1964 to 1981

Generation of turmoilGeneration of turmoil JFK assassinatedJFK assassinated WatergateWatergate Challenger disasterChallenger disaster Divorce rates (40%)Divorce rates (40%)

““Glued to the set”Glued to the set” Institutions had Institutions had

betrayed thembetrayed them

Marriage not foreverMarriage not forever No job security – saw No job security – saw

layoffs layoffs Organizations are Organizations are

temporary.temporary. Will leave or create Will leave or create

turmoil if not satisfied.turmoil if not satisfied. Cope well with Cope well with

adversity.adversity.

Diversity Generation or Diversity Generation or Gen XGen X

Most significant message they heard Most significant message they heard was, you will be the first generation in was, you will be the first generation in history not to do as well as their parents.history not to do as well as their parents.

Get along well with the Civic generation Get along well with the Civic generation but horribly with their Boomer parents.but horribly with their Boomer parents.

Want leaders to show them the way then Want leaders to show them the way then get out of the way.get out of the way.

Cultural Icons of Xer’sCultural Icons of Xer’s

The Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch Izod shirtsIzod shirts Cabbage Patch KidsCabbage Patch Kids JawsJaws Pet RocksPet Rocks The SimpsonsThe Simpsons Microwave OvensMicrowave Ovens

MTVMTV Platform ShoesPlatform Shoes ComputersComputers ETET Sesame StreetSesame Street Video Cassette Video Cassette

RecordersRecorders

Generation X MembersGeneration X Members

Christian Slater, Jewel, Ricki Lake, Christian Slater, Jewel, Ricki Lake, Queen Latifah, Sheryl Crow, Rob Lowe, Queen Latifah, Sheryl Crow, Rob Lowe, Mike Tyson, Tara Lupinski, Tiger Woods, Mike Tyson, Tara Lupinski, Tiger Woods, many Silicon Valley CEO’s and almost all many Silicon Valley CEO’s and almost all of the U. S. House and Senate staffers.of the U. S. House and Senate staffers.

What to Remember About What to Remember About Xer’s!Xer’s! Work to live rather than live to work; Jobs are Work to live rather than live to work; Jobs are

viewed as transient in nature.viewed as transient in nature. ““How will being a member of the union help me with How will being a member of the union help me with

my next job?”my next job?” Clear and consistent explanations of why things Clear and consistent explanations of why things

are important are essential.are important are essential. A sense of contribution while having fun will A sense of contribution while having fun will

keep an X’er committed.keep an X’er committed. Expect to contribute to the larger good.Expect to contribute to the larger good. Versatility provides securityVersatility provides security

What to Remember About What to Remember About Xer’s!Xer’s!

Supportive Behaviors & Tips for Supportive Behaviors & Tips for Communicating With Generation X.Communicating With Generation X. Use email as a primary communication tool.Use email as a primary communication tool. Talk in short sound bites to keep their Talk in short sound bites to keep their

attention. attention. Ask them for their feedback and provide them Ask them for their feedback and provide them

with regular feedback. with regular feedback. Share information with them on a regular Share information with them on a regular

basis and strive to keep them in the loop.basis and strive to keep them in the loop. Use an informal communication style. Use an informal communication style.

The Millenials – Born The Millenials – Born 1982 to 20031982 to 2003

Hit Songs of 1982:Hit Songs of 1982: ““Eye of the Tiger” – SurvivorEye of the Tiger” – Survivor ““Down Under” - Men at WorkDown Under” - Men at Work ““I Love Rock and Roll” - Joan Jett and the Black I Love Rock and Roll” - Joan Jett and the Black

HeartsHearts

Hit Songs of 2003: Hit Songs of 2003: ““Hey Ya” - OutkastHey Ya” - Outkast ““Where is the Love” - Black Eyed PeasWhere is the Love” - Black Eyed Peas ““Crazy in Love” - Beyonce featuring Jay ZCrazy in Love” - Beyonce featuring Jay Z

The MillenialsThe MillenialsAKA Generation Y or Why?AKA Generation Y or Why?

Believe they can challenge every institution and every Organization…Why?


They are a product of their value programming…just like the Boomers and

Gen X!!


Parents taught them to Parents taught them to challenge and ask questions.challenge and ask questions.

Have been exposed to a Have been exposed to a wealth of new informationwealth of new information

Immediate gratification.Immediate gratification. Believe they can challenge Believe they can challenge

every institution and every institution and individual.individual.

Technology has become Technology has become second nature (computers, second nature (computers, cell phones, beepers)cell phones, beepers)

Most demographically diverse Most demographically diverse generation in historygeneration in history

One in three is defined as a One in three is defined as a minorityminority

One in four has grown up in a One in four has grown up in a single parent homesingle parent home

Don’t like paper and pencil Don’t like paper and pencil but great with computersbut great with computers

End result vs. Step by step End result vs. Step by step instructions work bestinstructions work best

The Millenials – Born The Millenials – Born 1982 to 20031982 to 2003

Coming of age in a time of test tube babies, Coming of age in a time of test tube babies, cloning, economic boom and the most significant cloning, economic boom and the most significant media ever created.media ever created.

Connected to the internet and communicating on Connected to the internet and communicating on a variety of issues, including environment, a variety of issues, including environment, fighting child labor, working in blighted fighting child labor, working in blighted neighborhoods.neighborhoods.

Many have labeled this generation as smarter, Many have labeled this generation as smarter, better behaved and more civic spirited than any better behaved and more civic spirited than any living generation.living generation.

The MillenialsThe Millenials

Oklahoma City BombingsOklahoma City Bombings Viruses related to computers and the Viruses related to computers and the

human bodyhuman body Kids learn to play the stock market in Kids learn to play the stock market in

schoolschool CNN reports the Gulf War live everydayCNN reports the Gulf War live everyday

The MillenialsThe Millenials

Home Schooling is on the increaseHome Schooling is on the increase School shootings are on the increaseSchool shootings are on the increase A personal computer is a home applianceA personal computer is a home appliance President Clinton is impeachedPresident Clinton is impeached Suicides on the rise among young peopleSuicides on the rise among young people Designer drugs of all kinds including Designer drugs of all kinds including

Ritalin in the schoolsRitalin in the schools

Noteworthy MillenialsNoteworthy Millenials

Serena Williams, LeeAnn Rimes, Britney Serena Williams, LeeAnn Rimes, Britney Spears, Prince William and Prince Harry, Spears, Prince William and Prince Harry, Taylor and Zac Hanson, and a number of Taylor and Zac Hanson, and a number of internet entrepreneurs.internet entrepreneurs.

Cultural Icons of Cultural Icons of MillenialsMillenials

BarneyBarney PogsPogs The X gamesThe X games Cell phones and Cell phones and

pagerspagers Princess DianaPrincess Diana Teenage Mutant Ninja Teenage Mutant Ninja

TurtlesTurtles Virtual petsVirtual pets Bill GatesBill Gates

Jerry SpringerJerry Springer PokemonPokemon Brittany SpearsBrittany Spears Mia HammMia Hamm Beanie BabiesBeanie Babies Spice GirlsSpice Girls Computers and the Computers and the

internetinternet Mark McGuire/Sammy Mark McGuire/Sammy

SosaSosa

What to Remember about What to Remember about Millenials!Millenials!

Conditioned to live in the momentConditioned to live in the moment Used to the immediacy of technology and Used to the immediacy of technology and

everything with iteverything with it Earn money for the purpose of immediate Earn money for the purpose of immediate

consumptionconsumption Clear and consistent explanations are Clear and consistent explanations are

imperative.imperative. Will give respect only after they have been given Will give respect only after they have been given

respect.respect. Have grown up learning to question everythingHave grown up learning to question everything As a generation, astounding ethnic diversityAs a generation, astounding ethnic diversity

What to Remember about What to Remember about Millenials!Millenials!

When trying to influence Millenials, you must When trying to influence Millenials, you must answer two questions;answer two questions; ““Why?”Why?” ““What’s in it for me?”What’s in it for me?” Explain how being a member and being active in the Explain how being a member and being active in the

union will benefit them and the organization. union will benefit them and the organization. Make sure they understand the history and Make sure they understand the history and

correlation of union membership and current correlation of union membership and current benefits.benefits.

Influencing Generation X Influencing Generation X and Millenials – Don’tsand Millenials – Don’ts

For prospective new For prospective new members, don’t uses members, don’t uses statements like;statements like;

““Join because Join because everybody does it”.everybody does it”.

““It’s part of paying It’s part of paying your dues.”your dues.”

““If you don’t do what I If you don’t do what I say, I’ll kick your …say, I’ll kick your …

Influencing Generation X Influencing Generation X and Millenials – Don’tsand Millenials – Don’ts

Throw a wet blanket on their Throw a wet blanket on their enthusiasmenthusiasm. Be positive in your . Be positive in your approach. Remember, they want to be approach. Remember, they want to be committed and involvedcommitted and involved

Go into a meeting unprepared. Go into a meeting unprepared. They They won’t follow a leader who is uninformed. won’t follow a leader who is uninformed. Evasiveness translates to dishonesty Evasiveness translates to dishonesty and is a turn off.and is a turn off.

Expect lots of questionsExpect lots of questions

Influencing Generation X Influencing Generation X and Millenials – Do’sand Millenials – Do’s

Respect me.Respect me. “Treat our ideas “Treat our ideas respectfully,” they ask, “even though we respectfully,” they ask, “even though we haven’t been around a long time.” haven’t been around a long time.”

Be inclusive and flexible.Be inclusive and flexible. They want a They want a say in issues affecting them. A rigid say in issues affecting them. A rigid mindset is a sure-fire way to lose your mindset is a sure-fire way to lose your Millennial members.Millennial members.

Include them in business meetings.Include them in business meetings.


Ask for Their Help and Advice: Ask for Their Help and Advice: “ How do you “ How do you think we can increase membership with your think we can increase membership with your generation?” They need to feel relevant and generation?” They need to feel relevant and respected.respected.

Use Technology to CommunicateUse Technology to Communicate: : Get their email addresses and email or text them Get their email addresses and email or text them

with information and updates on union activities.with information and updates on union activities. Return their emails…it shows respect.Return their emails…it shows respect. Have a Union blog for electronic Q and A.Have a Union blog for electronic Q and A. Develop a video and link it on the union website.Develop a video and link it on the union website.


Supportive Behaviors & Tips for Supportive Behaviors & Tips for Communicating With Generation Y.Communicating With Generation Y. Use action words and challenge them at every Use action words and challenge them at every

opportunity.opportunity. They will resent it if you talk down to them. They will resent it if you talk down to them. They prefer email communication. They prefer email communication. Seek their feedback constantly and provide them Seek their feedback constantly and provide them

with regular feedback. with regular feedback. Use humor and create a fun learning environment. Use humor and create a fun learning environment.

Don't take yourself too seriously.Don't take yourself too seriously. Encourage them to take risks and break the rules so Encourage them to take risks and break the rules so

that they can explore new ways of learning.that they can explore new ways of learning.

Generational InfluencesGenerational Influences

Bottom Line: Bottom Line:

Generational Dynamics affect Generational Dynamics affect virtually all aspects of human virtually all aspects of human

and workplace relations.and workplace relations.

Influencing Generation X Influencing Generation X and Millenialsand Millenials

Albert Einstein once said;Albert Einstein once said;

““The definition of insanity is doing the same The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting thing over and over again and expecting

different results”. different results”.

So, while the challenge may be So, while the challenge may be difficult…Try something new and…difficult…Try something new and…

No Matter What…No Matter What…

Generational Dynamics of Union Membership Generational Influences A key factor in human development. Each generational grouping carries distinct.

Documents

protestedsize of generation

millennial generation

generation x

diversity generation

generation y

civicgi generationa

distinct characteristics

whencertain characteristics