Thriving in the Multi-Generational Workplace

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Thriving in the Multi-Generational Workplace

• David Remson
• Triangle Consulting

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What Theyre Saying

• Theyre just a bunch of slackers!
• Meetings after 5? No way, I have a life.
• Promotion already? See me in ten years.
• Another team meeting? When do we actually work
  around here?
• Do they ever stop talking?
• You mean we have to work the whole time were
  here?

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Goals

• Understand the historical perspective of each
  generation.
• Understand the values and work style preferences
  for each generation.
• Identify strategies for more effective work
  relationships.

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Why Now?

• Aging workforce
• Impending retirements
• Population demographics
• Predicted workforce shortages
• And.

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The Business Case

• Retention
• Recruitment
• Productivity
• Employee Satisfaction
• Customer Satisfaction

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Theyre HEEERRE!!
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The Four Working Generations

• WWII (Silent) 1928-1945
• Baby Boomers 1946-1964
• Generation X 1964-1982
• Millennials 1982-2002

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Millennials1982-2002
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Events that shaped them..
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MillennialsCant we all be BFFNs?

• Columbine, 9/11 (Katrina, Tsunami)
• Internet (digital natives)
• Convergence
• Social networks
• Branding
• Approachable/accessible leadership
• Velcro Parents

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We are the world.

• Collaboration
• Loyalty
• Community
• Achievement
• Tolerance
• Networking

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The Internet..they play inline, buy online, live
online
Blogs, MySpace.com, Facebook.com, Xanga.com
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Working with Millennials

• Cooperative Collaboration
• Upbeat
• 3 Fs
• Multiple tasks
• Pay attention to them
• Everyone wins

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Managing Millennials

• Enjoy!
• Be kind, be there.
• Offer coaching.
• Ask for their ideas.
• Build mentor relationships.
• Make them famous.

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Millennial Leadership Lessons

• Slow down and observe.
• Practice listening.
• Respect the knowledge around you.
• Ask questions.
• Find a mentor.

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If You Are A Millennial

• Strive for independence
• Listen more, talk less
• Look for a mentor
• Acknowledge the institutional knowledge

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Generation X1964-1982
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Gen X Events that shaped them.
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Gen X Uh, dude, its a certificate?!

• Latchkey upbringing
• Challenger
• Technology
• AIDS
• Leadership? What leadership?
• Economy

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An Army of one.

• Independence
• Competence
• Self preservation
• Flexibility
• Skepticism
• Work to live

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Generation X at Work

• Balance
• Casual
• Informal Teams
• Independence
• Problem Solving
• Skills Building
• Technology
• Skeptical

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Working with Xers

• Get to the point
• Be sincere
• Use technology (cyber babyshowers???)
• Show me the money!!
• Every (wo)man for (her)himself

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Managing Gen X

• At your peril!
• Clear expectations.
• Reward with flexibility.
• Focus on results.
• Manage your micro-management.
• Keep it brief.

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Gen X Leadership Lessons

• Be available.
• Monitor your impact.
• Ask for others input.
• Give feedback.
• Coach and guide.
• Celebrate milestones.

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If You Are A Gen Xer

• Engage with your team
• Ask for what you need
• Be patient
• Lighten up!

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Gen Xer Job Interview
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"I don't want to read your blog. Just tell me
how your day was.."
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Baby Boomers1946-1964
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Boomers Events that shaped them.
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Baby Boomers Retire or Rewire?

• TV!!!!!
• Protest
• Choice and Change
• ____, ______ and Rock and Roll!
• Charismatic Leadership

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If we can put a man on the moon..

• Optimism
• Fairness
• Recognition
• Achievement
• Personal Gratification
• Personal Growth

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Baby Boom Optimism
Gen X Reality
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Baby Boomers at Work

• Feedback
• Recognition
• Teamwork
• Consensus
• Driven
• Relationships

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Working With Boomers

• Friendly and welcoming
• Acknowledgement/Recognition
• Allow for process time
• Inclusive
• Everyone has a fair shot

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Managing Baby Boomers

• DONT!!
• Consult.
• Give leadership opportunities.
• Emphasize team.
• How are you feeling about?
• Reward with everything.

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Baby Boomer Leadership Lessons

• Define the concept of team.
• Make expectations clear and live up to them.
• Dont take it so personally.
• Manage meetings efficiently.
• Engage the team in decision making.

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If You Are Baby Boomer

• Walk your talk
• Dont take it personally
• A little less process

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Veterans1928-1945
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Veterans Events that shaped them..
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VeteransStand and salute

• WWII
• Great Depression
• Social Security
• Industrialization/Urbanization
• Korean War

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WWII Values Work hard today for a better.

• Sacrifice
• Loyalty
• Dedication
• Practicality
• Patriotism
• History

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WWII at WorkIf you take care of the company.

• Hierarchy
• Respect
• Loyalty
• Iron glove leadership
• Separation of work and home

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Working With Veterans (WWII)

• Face to face communication
• Formal/ respectful
• Task driven
• Everyone has a place

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Managing the Veterans

• Focus on organizational goals.
• Ask for their history (institutional knowledge).
• Describe steps/tasks.
• Reward with perks.

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WW II Leadership Lessons

• Examine your attitudes about workplace
  accommodations.
• More consultation.
• Encourage and support innovation.
• Create opportunities to share institutional
  knowledge.

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If You are WWII

• Share your history
• Be flexible
• Adapt to new technologies
• Ask rather than tell

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So What Now?

• Take your learning back to work
• Create an environment of inclusion
• Talk to your team about how to accommodate
  differences
• Learn more about the strengths of each generation
• Take the pledge!

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Thank you!You have just had a diversity
experience

• David Remson
• Triangle Consulting