Understanding Generational Differences APWA Public Works Institute April 9, 2014

Today’s Goals  Understand our generational differences  Learn the importance of developing teams across generations  Determine how to capitalize on strengths  Consider communication and motivation of a variety of generations

Generations GenerationBirth Years Current Population Traditionalists million Baby Boomers million Generation X million Generation Y/Millennials million

Why consider generational differences?  Trying to fit an increasingly nontraditional workforce into a traditional workplace  Different values, experiences and styles create misunderstanding and frustration  Hinders development and execution of plans and ideas

Why consider generational differences?  It’s about creating effective teams.  Active listening  Differing perspectives  A range of expertise  Humor  Recognition and appreciation

Generations: The Details

Traditionalists: InfluencesCharacteristics  Great Depression  Roaring 1920s  WWI and WWII  Korean War  GI Bill  Patriotic  “Waste not/want not”  Faith in institutions- one company career  Military influenced top down approach Key Word: Loyal

Traditionalists

Baby Boomers: InfluencesCharacteristics  Suburbia  TV  Vietnam, Watergate  Human Rights Movement  Drugs and RockNRoll  Idealistic  Very competitive  Question authority Key Word: Optimist

Baby Boomers

Generation X: InfluencesCharacteristics  Sesame Street and MTV  Game Boy  Divorce rate tripled  Latch Key Kids  Eclectic  Resourceful  Self -reliant  Distrustful of institutions  Highly adaptive to change and technology Key Word: Skepticism

Generation X

Millennials: InfluencesCharacteristics  Expanded technology  Natural disasters  Violence  Ganges  Diversity  Globally concerned  Realistic  Cyber literate  Personal safety is top concern Key Word: Realistic

Millennials

TraditionalistsBaby BoomersGeneration XMillennials GoalsBuild a legacyStellar Career Portable Career Parallel Careers Career Path Job changing stigma Job changing puts you behind Job changing is necessary Doesn’t have to be in a straight path RewardsJob well done Money, title and recognition Freedom Work that has meaning MotivatorSecurityMoneyTime off Company Loyalty HighestHighLow Money isLivelihoodStatus symbolMeans to endToday’s payoff ValueFamily/Commu nity SuccessTimeIndividuality

Playing to the strengths  Communication  Management Style  Motivation

Communication  Let’s consider something outside the box.  Your experience is respected.  Your commitment made all the difference.  Your contributions are really valuable.

Communication  You will be collaborating with other bright, creative people.  You are important to our success.  Tell us what has worked well in the past.  Your technical expertise is a big asset.

Management Style  My experience should bring value to the organization.  I expect the appropriate level of authority and respect for what I do.  All I want is to know how I’m doing and to be recognized for what I do.  I want to be part of a team.

Motivation

Credits “When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work.” By Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman Survey Analysis: Employee Motivation by Generation Factors By Seleste Lunsford, Achieve Global