When Generations Collide When Generations Collide Patty Scott, Ed.D. President President Southwestern Oregon Community College [email protected].

When Generations Collide

Patty Scott, Ed.D. President

Southwestern Oregon Community [email protected]

Providing A Contextual Framework

Generation Identity is a state of mind shaped by many events and influences – usually 19-24 years long

Understanding Generational Differences sets a context of who we are and a context about our employees/customers/club members

Generation Birth Years

Awakening 1701–1723

Liberty 1724–1741

Republican 1742–1766

Compromise 1767–1791

Transcendental 1792–1821

Gilded 1822–1842

Progressive 1843–1859

Missionary 1860–1882

Lost 1883–1900

G.I. 1901–1924

Silent 1925–1942

Boom 1943–1960

Generation X 1961–1981

Millennial/Gen Y 1982-2002

Silent GenerationBorn between 1925–1945(75 Million)or 1925-1942

LoyalPeaceful, traditional home lifeHeroes were politiciansConforming, Respect Chain of CommandSafe, stable, lifelong jobsSymbols are ImportantWaste not, Want notMaterial possessions scarceStrong work ethic/morals

Defining Moments:WW1 & 2Great DepressionGI BillNew DealNever elected a president from their ranksBracero programJapanese camps

Baby BoomersBorn between 1946 – 1964 (80 Million) or 1943-1960

Largest generation of their time/will work longer than their parentsIdealists/OptimisticQuest for social justice and equality reignedNeed to know thingsQuestion authority/broke old patterns/traditionsCompetitiveProfession consistent with idealsActivist generation

Defining Moments:JFK, MLK, Robert KennedyThe Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Elvis, TelevisionVietnamCivil RightsFirst man on the moonWatergateBlack PowerWomen’s RightsChicano, Asian American, African American Civil Rights Movement

Generation XBorn between 1965 – 1981 (46 Million) or 1961-1981

Question authority/SkepticalMost MisunderstoodEconomic uncertaintyBroken homes; rise in teen pregnancy & drug useLatch-key and day care kidsSelf-directed/Resourceful IndependentGreatest diversity Educated Mistrust of Institutions/RelationshipsHeroes? What heroes?

Defining Moments:Star Wars (the movie)MicrowavesAIDSCable TV/MTVTiananmen Square, Exxon Valdez, SF EarthquakePresident Reagan shotPersonal Computers/Fax MachinesDrunk Driving PenaltiesOn going Civil Rights Movement Title 9

Millennials, Gen Y, Gen Next, Echo Gen, Tech Gen

Born between 1982 – 2002 (76 Million)

Creative/Smart generationHigh-tech, high-touchIncluded in major family decisions, multi-taskersConfident, Realistic about challenges of modern lifeService is keyPersonal Safety #1 concernCollaborativeAppreciates Diversity-- part of life/workplace

Defining Moments:

Operation Desert Storm

Zero tolerance rules

I-Pods & Video I-Pods

Oklahoma city Bombing

Columbine Shooting

Racism Awareness Workshops – sky rocket

Increased High School Drop outs

911

2002 Election

2008 Election

Cuspers

Traditionalist / Baby Boomers – 1940-1945

Boomers / Generation X – 1960-1965

Generation X / Millennial – 1975-1980

Why should we care about four generations interacting?

People are living and working longerFour generations, each with distinct values, are working side by sideTurnover rates are on the rise, with massive retirements occurring, declining membershipDifferent values, experiences, work styles, and attitudes are creating misunderstandings and frustrationsUnderstanding the generations can give organizations a competitive edge in recruiting, retaining, managing, and motivating the best and the brightestIf we want to recruit respective generations, we must address their values, interests, language, motivators, and styles

Core Traits of Millennials: Special/Parenting

• Co-purchasing with parents• Highly involved parents coming • Devotion from parents expected in workplace• Special or spoiled• You are special and we expect special things from you• Decline in # reporting values different than parents• Deeper agreement on cultural values• Moving back home has lost its stigma

Core Traits of Millennials: Sheltered

• Amber Alert generation• Expect adult protection, authoritative security and rule

enforcement• Comfortable with zero tolerance• Take less health risks• Expect rising attention to sexual harassment• Want a broader array of protective safeguards

Core Traits of Millennials: Confident/Entitlement

Believe they can achieve great thingsFaith that America’s big problems really can be solvedBelieve they will be financially more successful than parents.Confidence or cockinessWant to be heardExpect recognition for work well done

Core Traits of Millennials: Team-Oriented/Collaboration

• Work as a Team Sport• Look after each other, help the community• Social environment in office important• Use of technology is a group activity• Service-oriented – pursuing nonprofit and government

jobs• Social aspects of job important• Inclusive style• “Friending” on Facebook• New communication styles – 10.6 hours/day

Core Traits of Millennials: Pressured/Need for Speed

• Stress is a reality• Connection between today’s behavior and

tomorrow’s payoff• Pressured environment – fixated on long-term

planning• Emotional stress• Multitasking• Want response immediately

Core Traits of Millennials:Social Networking

• Gather around the Virtual Water Cooler• The Networked Generation• I feel Naked without my cell phone• Constant contact• Judge me by what I produce, not by what

you assume I am doing at my desk• Consumer reports to consumer

Core Traits of Millennials: Achieving/Great Expectations/

Meaning• Spend to much time focused on grades and

performing

• High expectations for fulfillment and success

• Offended by the idea of having to pay dues

• Expect the moon

• Want to be heard

• Want to know they are succeeding

• Work/life balance

Summary points on Millennials

Parents are deeply involved in all aspects of their child’s experience.

Have high expectations for on-line services.

Safety and security matter.

Millennial expect to be treated special.

Team-oriented and collaborators.

Need for speed and connection.

Have expectations and seek meaning

Social Networked

ReferencesHowe, N. and Strauss W. (2007). Millennials Go to College

Howe, N. (2010). Millennials in the workplace

Howe, N. and Strauss W. (2000). Millennials Rising: The next great generation

Lancaster, L, and Stillman, D. (2002). When generations collide.

Lancaster, L.C. & Stillman (2010). The M-factor: How the Millennial Generation is rocking the workplace.

Defining Your Generation

Growing up, what one word describes our relationship with your parents?

What one work describes your attitude about employee evaluations?

Are there any gender/cultural/ethnic, class differences within your generation?

If you participated in athletics, describe your relationship with the coach?

Applying Our Work to Different Generations

How do we market/recruit/retain different generations?

How do we provide customer services?

How do club members learn from different generations?

How do we coach/supervise/work with our club members from different generations?