Thriving in the Multi-Generational Workplace David Remson Triangle Consulting

What They’re Saying: They’re 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 we’re here?

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.

Why Now? Aging workforce Impending retirements Population demographics Predicted workforce shortages And….

The Business Case… Retention Recruitment Productivity Employee Satisfaction Customer Satisfaction

They’re HEEERRE!!

The Four Working Generations… WWII (Silent) Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Events that shaped them …..

Millennials: Can’t we all be BFFN’s? Columbine, 9/11 (Katrina, Tsunami…) Internet (digital natives) Convergence Social networks Branding Approachable/accessible leadership Velcro Parents

We are the world…. Collaboration Loyalty Community Achievement Tolerance Networking

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

Working with Millennials… Cooperative Collaboration Upbeat 3 F’s Multiple tasks Pay attention to them Everyone wins

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

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

If You Are A Millennial Strive for independence Listen more, talk less Look for a mentor Acknowledge the institutional knowledge

Generation X

Gen X: Events that shaped them….

Gen X: Uh, dude, it’s a certificate?! Latchkey upbringing Challenger Technology AIDS Leadership? What leadership? Economy

Why this generation is broke 4-year degree at: Graduated with debt Median amt. borrowed Monthly payment Public college %$8,226*$95 Public college %$14.671$169 Private college %$12,639$145 Private college %$17,125$197

An Army of one…. Independence Competence Self preservation Flexibility Skepticism Work to live

Generation X at Work Balance Casual Informal Teams Independence Problem Solving Skills Building Technology Skeptical

Working with Xer’s Get to the point Be sincere Use technology (cyber babyshowers???) Show me the money!! Every (wo)man for (her)himself

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

Gen X Leadership Lessons Be available. Monitor your impact. Ask for others input. Give feedback. Coach and guide. Celebrate milestones.

If You Are A Gen Xer Engage with your team Ask for what you need Be patient Lighten up!

Gen Xer Job Interview

" I don't want to read your blog. Just tell me how your day was.."

Baby Boomers

Boomers: Events that shaped them….

Baby Boomers: Retire or Rewire? TV!!!!! Protest Choice and Change ____, ______ and Rock and Roll! Charismatic Leadership

If we can put a man on the moon….. Optimism Fairness Recognition Achievement Personal Gratification Personal Growth

Baby Boom OptimismGen X Reality

Baby Boomers at Work Feedback Recognition Teamwork Consensus Driven Relationships

Working With Boomers… Friendly and welcoming Acknowledgement/Recognition Allow for process time Inclusive Everyone has a fair shot

Managing Baby Boomers DON’T!! Consult. Give leadership opportunities. Emphasize team. “How are you feeling about…?” Reward with everything.

Baby Boomer Leadership Lessons Define the concept of team. Make expectations clear and live up to them. Don’t take it so personally. Manage meetings efficiently. Engage the team in decision making.

If You Are Baby Boomer Walk your talk Don’t take it personally A little less process…

Veterans

Veterans: Events that shaped them…..

Veterans Stand and salute… WWII Great Depression Social Security Industrialization/Urbanization Korean War

WWII Values: Work hard today for a better…. Sacrifice Loyalty Dedication Practicality Patriotism History

WWII at Work If you take care of the company…. Hierarchy Respect Loyalty Iron glove leadership Separation of work and home

Working With Veterans (WWII) Face to face communication Formal/ respectful Task driven Everyone has a place…

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

WW II Leadership Lessons Examine your attitudes about workplace accommodations. More consultation. Encourage and support innovation. Create opportunities to share institutional knowledge.

If You are WWII Share your history Be flexible Adapt to new technologies Ask rather than tell

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!

Thank you! You have just had a diversity experience David Remson Triangle Consulting