Understanding and Managing Intergenerational Conflict in the Workplace Fischer-Deal Architectural Training Module
4 Generations in Today’s Workforce Seniors (born before 1945) Baby Boomers ( ) Generation X ( ) Generation Y ( )
Course Objectives Name the four generations in today’s workforce Describe seven characteristics unique to each generation List five tips for managing intergenerational tensions Match each management tip to a given scenario By the end of this course, employees will be able to:
Seniors Loyal and respectful of authority Stubbornly independent Dependable with great work ethic Experienced with lots to offer High commitment to quality Great communication & interpersonal skills Able and willing to learn
Baby Boomers Interested in making a difference Pioneers of anti-discrimination efforts Well-educated and culturally literate Questioners of authority Good at teamwork, cooperation, & politics Seekers of financial prosperity Not in a rush to retire early
Generation X Highly independent, solo workers Responsible & family-focused Little patience for bureaucracy Constantly preparing for next job Hard-working & want to contribute Expect to be valued & rewarded Thrive on adrenaline-charged assignments
Generation Y At ease with technology & multitasking Used to hovering, involved authorities Value social responsibility Expect praise and notice Need constructive feedback routinely Want work-life balance Will stay put if their loyalty is earned
5 Tips for Managing Intergenerational Tensions 1.Consider the generational differences 2.Foster the sharing of perspectives 3.Match solution to generational needs 4.Link commonalities among generations 5.Encourage shared learning
Generational Diversity Can Be An Asset
Test Your Knowledge Answer the following questions to see if you can match a situation with the best tip for managing intergenerational tension.
A talented, but inexperienced Generation Y new hire appears intimidated by the complexity of the job and could benefit from a Baby Boomer mentor. Which of the five tips best fits this situation? Match solution to generational needs Encourage shared learning Foster the sharing of perspectives Consider the generational differences Link commonalities among generations
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A Baby Boomer gets annoyed at the new Generation Y manager for standing over her shoulder while she works. Which of the five tips best fits this situation? Match solution to generational needs Encourage shared learning Foster the sharing of perspectives Consider the generational differences Link commonalities among generations
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Employees from the various generations feel like they cannot relate to those from other generations, because they have nothing in common. Which of the five tips best fits this situation? Match solution to generational needs Encourage shared learning Foster the sharing of perspectives Consider the generational differences Link commonalities among generations
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A Generation Y employee views a Senior’s loyalty and compliance to his supervisor as flattery, and the Senior views the Generation Y employee’s expectation of praise as narcissistic. Which of the five tips best fits this situation? Match solution to generational needs Encourage shared learning Foster the sharing of perspectives Consider the generational differences Link commonalities among generations
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A Senior is having trouble making sense of how to upload content onto the company website, because she is not technologically savvy like the younger generations. Which of the five tips best fits this situation? Match solution to generational needs Encourage shared learning Foster the sharing of perspectives Consider the generational differences Link commonalities among generations
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CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS You passed the course!
Fischer-Deal Architectural 2014 Intergenerational content gleaned from the Johnson Training Group – experts on managing multi-generational workplaces Johnson, L., & Johnson, M. (2010). Resolving intergenerational workplace conflict. Baseline, 107, 17. Photos, with the exception of two belonging to one of the authors, were retrieved royalty free from Microsoft Corporation via Silverlight.