THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: WHAT PUSHES BETWEEN CUBICLES University of Michigan – Dearborn Staff Senate Campus Morale and Engagement Committee and Faculty.

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: WHAT PUSHES BETWEEN CUBICLESUniversity of Michigan – Dearborn

Staff Senate Campus Morale and Engagement Committee and Faculty Senate

Lee E. Meadows, Ph.D: In-service Facilitator

October 2, 2014

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDEPresentation Objectives:1. Identify the four generational types2. Discuss the work styles of the generational

divide3. Discuss the values of the generational divide4. Present strategies for collaborative work

styles

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Generation: a group of people who share a common range of birthdates, normally 18-20 years, and share a common set of experiences.

“A generational identity is a state of mind shaped by many events and influences. Only you can define what generation you fit into.”

‘Generations at Work,’ Ron Zemke, Claire Raines, Bob Filipczak ISBN-13: 9780814432334

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

‘Understanding generational experiences and perspectives and learning to coach individuals from different age groups are becoming essential management skills.’

‘Coaching Generations in the Workplace’, Weston, Marla, Administration Quarterly: Winter 2001 - Volume 25 - Issue 2 - p 11–21

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

For the first time in modern society, four distinct generations of people are interacting in the workforce.

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WHO ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?

GENERATION BORN

Traditionalists 1920 - 1945

Baby Boomers 1946 - 1964

Generation X 1965 - 1980

Generation Y/Millenials 1981 – and growing

TRADITIONALS: 1920—1945TRADITIONALS: 1920—1945“WE VALUE THEIR WISDOM”“WE VALUE THEIR WISDOM”

Sacrifice and honor Stable Loyal Experienced

Conformist Difficulty with change Techno-dinosaurs “Proper channels”

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: TRADITIONALISTS

Mantra: “These are the rules”Values: Conformity, Rules, Authority, Logic, Loyalty

Attributes: Disciplined, Historical perspective, Detail oriented, Dislike conflict

Work style: Consistency and uniformity, Past oriented, Command and control leadership, Hierarchical

Traditionalists Preferred Work Environment: structures, orderly, chain of command, clear lines of authority and demarcation,

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Traditionalists Traditional, one-on-one Formal instructions Value seniority & hard work Hand written notes, plaques, pictures as

recognition

BABY BOOMERS: 1946 – 1964BABY BOOMERS: 1946 – 1964“I HAVE NEW WORK NEEDS”“I HAVE NEW WORK NEEDS”

Work-centric Self-centered Political Not budget-

minded Disillusioned

Youthful identity Team players Competitive Still learning! SANDWICH

GENERATION

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: BABY BOOMERS

Mantra: “Let’s talk about the rules”Values: Individual choice, Community involvement,

Prosperity, Ownership, Self-actualizing, Health and wellness

Attributes: Adaptable, Goal oriented, Positive attitude, Focus on choice and freedom

Work style: Confident, Team focused, Collaborative decision makers, Avoid conflict

Boomers Preferred Work Environment: autonomy, sense of meaning, chance to learn new things, schedules and routines, opportunity for face-to-face contacts

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Baby Boomers Collegiality & participation Relationship driven, peer-to-peer Value life-long learning, empowerment Public recognition and perks

GENERATION X: 1965 – 1980GENERATION X: 1965 – 1980“HOW CAN WE HOLD ONTO THEM“HOW CAN WE HOLD ONTO THEM??””

Entrepreneurial Self-reliant Pragmatic Work-Life Balance Desire for

development

Cynical Impatient Poor people skills “My way” Less loyal

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: THE ‘X’S’

Mantra: “Break all the rules”Values: Contribution, Feedback, recognition, Autonomy,

Time with manager

Attributes: Adaptable, Independent, Creative

Work style: High-quality end results, Productive, Work/life balance, Flexible-work arrangements, Comfortable with authority – not impressed with titles

Generation X’s Preferred Work Environment: casual, friendly, functional, efficient, technologically up-to-date, neat, clean, orderly, collegial, a place to learn, high level of freedom

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Generation X Equal, sharing coaching Opportunity to demonstrate Do not want to be micromanaged Recognition based on merit, e.g. paid leave,

cash

GENERATION Y: 1981 – 2000GENERATION Y: 1981 – 2000“THEY LEARN DIFFERENTLY“THEY LEARN DIFFERENTLY” ”

Self-absorbed Short attention span “I’m entitled” Inexperienced High expectations of

self and company

Tech-savvy Non-conformist Enjoying life > work Multi-taskers Sponges for learning

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: THE ‘Y’S’

Mantra: “Re-define the rules”Values: Self expression, Must earn respect, Fear living

poorly, Brand self as commodity

Attributes: Adapt rapidly, Crave change, challenge, Create constantly, Exceptionally resilient, Committed, loyal, Global perspectives

Work style: Need to understand – everything, View work as an expression of self, Multi-taskers, Seek active involvement, Flexible workplaces, Team work, Expect corporate social responsibility, Everything instant, Seek learning opportunities

Generation Y Preferred Work Environment: to work with positive people, to be challenged, to be treated respectfully, to learn new knowledge and skills, to work in friendly environments, to have flexible schedules, to be paid well, goal- and achievement-oriented atmosphere

THE MILLENNIALS… The Millennials are almost as large as Baby Boomers depending on how

you measure them.

The Millennials are the children born between 1990 and 2002, a cohort called by various names:

Millennials have become the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in US History with nearly 35% of being minorities.

Echo BoomNet GenerationMillennials

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: MILENNIALS This generation has been plugged in since they

were babies. They grew up with educational software and

computer games. They think technology should be free. They want and expect services 24/7. They do not live in an 8–5 world. They all have cell phones and expect to be

in contact 24/7. They function in an international

world.

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: MILENNIALS

Mantra: “What rules”Values: meaningful work, opportunities to collaborate,

freedom of choice, fun, respect authenticity

Attributes: confident, achieving, scheduled, team-oriented

Work style: flexible work schedule, methodical, later starting time, early departure time

Millennials Preferred Work Environment: transparency, free flow of information, change the world through technology, inclusiveness,

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Generation Y/Milennials Expect more and want structure and

guidance Personal feedback, flexible scheduling Not hesitant to leave if needs are not met

ENGAGING THE GENERATIONS

Traditionalists: Job satisfaction Knowledge transfer Personal fulfillmentBoomers: Accountability Building

partnerships Recognizing loyalty

Gen X: Growth and

development Recognition and

support Give sufficient

feedbackGen Y/Milennials Keep them informed Use resources

efficiently Focus on teamwork

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

The hard working, loyal Traditionalists;

The idealist, passionate Baby Boomers;

The technoliterate, adaptable Gen X’ers’

The young, optimistic Millenial can co-exist in organizations today

““GENERATION MYOPIA IS GENERATION MYOPIA IS THETHE

MISTAKE WE MAKE WHEN WEMISTAKE WE MAKE WHEN WEAPPLY THE ATTITUDES OFAPPLY THE ATTITUDES OF

OUR GENERATION TO OUR GENERATION TO SOMEONESOMEONE

OF A DIFFERENT OF A DIFFERENT GENERATION”GENERATION”

Jane JoplingWest Virginia University