Generation Wise

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Generation Wise
You just cant make this stuff up
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Todays Agenda

• Discussion Throughout
• Generations Defined
• Historical Perspective
• Assets Challenges of each Generation
• Optimum Management / Leadership Styles

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Generational Repetition

• Each generation assumes the following generations
  will define success the same way they have.
• Each generation then assumes the following
  generations should pay their dues the same way
  in order to achieve that success.
• With a few exceptions, each generation thinks the
  following generation has had it much easier.

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Generations
GEN Y lt 27
BOOMERS 43 - 62
MATURES gt 63
GEN X 28 - 42
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The Teen-Age Years
Gen X 1978 - 1998
1990
2000
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ManagerMentorAdvocate
Making it Work at Work
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Baby Boomers Workplace Assets

• Optimists, Idealists
• Service Oriented
• Good at Relationships
• Comfortable with groups, teams
• Drive to excel go the extra mile
• Motivated Competitive
• Self improvement
• Future oriented

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Baby Boomers Workplace Challenges

• We tried that before...
• Reluctant to go against peers
• May value process over results
• Self-centered
• Judgmental to those who see things differently
• Reluctant to mentor

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Bringing out the Boomer Best

• Acknowledge experience
• Engage in meaningful contribution
• Invest in skill improvement
• Offer flexible schedules
• Consider career deceleration
• Keep gender roles in mind
• Use a personal touch
• Provide traditional rewards
• Increase your font size

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Generation X Workplace Assets

• Loyal to individuals
• Multicultural
• Ease in the virtual world
• Resourceful, Entrepreneurial
• Self Developing
• Technology is an extension of self
• Experimental
• Autonomous

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Generation X Workplace Challenges

• Distrust leadership / institutions
• Impatient
• Poor people and service skills
• Cynical
• Egalitarian vs. hierarchical
• Prefer tribes to teams
• Rule morphers
• Life worth vs. Net worth

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Bringing out the Best in X

• Provide fresh, meaningful assignments
• Give lots of public recognition
• Invite consensus
• Focus on challenges
• If youre blaming, theyre not listening
• Ask them, dont tell them
• Expand leadership development
• Flexible scheduling

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Generation Y Workplace Assets

• High integrity, strong values
• Technologically savvy
• Adaptable
• Efficient Multi-taskers
• Highly energetic
• Ability to work in teams
• Worldly, educated
• Optimistic

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Generation Y Workplace Challenges

• Fawned-on, coddled and confident
• Impatient
• Self expression over self control
• Image-driven
• Would rather ask questions than figure it out
• Difficulty communicating F2F
• Need constant stimulation

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Bringing out the Best of Ys

• Simultaneous projects
• Positive feedback
• Contribute quickly/Rapid incorporation
• Fit work in with life commitments
• Allow for getting around the rules
• Opportunity to learn and grow
• Current technology
• Clear guidelines and active involvement

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Becoming Generation Wise

• Dont use generational diversity as an excuse
• Recognize issues and conflicts that are
  generation specific
• Modify strategies and tactics to be more
  generation specific
• Dont expect One-Size-Fits-All solutions
• Involve team in the solution
• Educate others on generational issues
• Leverage strengths of all generations

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Sources

• Generations At Work
• Zemke, Raines, Filipczak
• Workforce Crisis
• Dychtwald, Erickson, Morison
• Rainmaker Thinking
• www.rainmakerthinking.com
• Common Purpose
• www.commonpurpose.org.uk
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Kingwood College Library
• http//kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/index.html
• Population Reference Bureau
• http//www.prb.org/
• Quarterlifecrisis.com

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Generation Wise
Michelle Lapierre mmlapierre_at_gmail.com 571-243-030
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