THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: WHAT PUSHES BETWEEN CUBICLES University of Michigan – Dearborn Staff Senate Campus Morale and Engagement Committee and Faculty Senate Lee E. Meadows, Ph.D: In-service Facilitator October 2, 2014

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Presentation Objectives: 1. Identify the four generational types 2. Discuss the work styles of the generational divide 3. Discuss the values of the generational divide 4. Present strategies for collaborative work styles

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Generation: a group of people who share a common range of birthdates, normally years, and share a common set of experiences. “A generational identity is a state of mind shaped by many events and influences. Only you can define what generation you fit into.” ‘Generations at Work,’ Ron Zemke, Claire Raines, Bob Filipczak ISBN-13:

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE ‘Understanding generational experiences and perspectives and learning to coach individuals from different age groups are becoming essential management skills.’ ‘Coaching Generations in the Workplace’, Weston, Marla, Administration Quarterly: Winter Volume 25 - Issue 2 - p 11–21

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE For the first time in modern society, four distinct generations of people are interacting in the workforce.

6 W HO A RE W E T ALKING A BOUT ? GENERATIONBORN Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y/Millenials1981 – and growing

TRADITIONALS: 1920—1945 “WE VALUE THEIR WISDOM” Sacrifice and honor Stable Loyal Experienced Conformist Difficulty with change Techno-dinosaurs “Proper channels”

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: TRADITIONALISTS Mantra: “These are the rules” Values: Conformity, Rules, Authority, Logic, Loyalty Attributes: Disciplined, Historical perspective, Detail oriented, Dislike conflict Work style: Consistency and uniformity, Past oriented, Command and control leadership, Hierarchical Traditionalists Preferred Work Environment: structures, orderly, chain of command, clear lines of authority and demarcation,

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Traditionalists Traditional, one-on-one Formal instructions Value seniority & hard work Hand written notes, plaques, pictures as recognition

BABY BOOMERS: 1946 – 1964 “I HAVE NEW WORK NEEDS” Work-centric Self-centered Political Not budget-minded Disillusioned Youthful identity Team players Competitive Still learning! SANDWICH GENERATION

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: BABY BOOMERS Mantra: “Let’s talk about the rules” Values: Individual choice, Community involvement, Prosperity, Ownership, Self-actualizing, Health and wellness Attributes: Adaptable, Goal oriented, Positive attitude, Focus on choice and freedom Work style: Confident, Team focused, Collaborative decision makers, Avoid conflict Boomers Preferred Work Environment: autonomy, sense of meaning, chance to learn new things, schedules and routines, opportunity for face-to-face contacts

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Baby Boomers Collegiality & participation Relationship driven, peer-to-peer Value life-long learning, empowerment Public recognition and perks

GENERATION X: 1965 – 1980 “HOW CAN WE HOLD ONTO THEM ? ” Entrepreneurial Self-reliant Pragmatic Work-Life Balance Desire for development Cynical Impatient Poor people skills “My way” Less loyal

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: THE ‘X’S’ Mantra: “Break all the rules” Values: Contribution, Feedback, recognition, Autonomy, Time with manager Attributes: Adaptable, Independent, Creative Work style: High-quality end results, Productive, Work/life balance, Flexible-work arrangements, Comfortable with authority – not impressed with titles Generation X’s Preferred Work Environment: casual, friendly, functional, efficient, technologically up-to-date, neat, clean, orderly, collegial, a place to learn, high level of freedom

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Generation X Equal, sharing coaching Opportunity to demonstrate Do not want to be micromanaged Recognition based on merit, e.g. paid leave, cash

GENERATION Y: 1981 – 2000 “THEY LEARN DIFFERENTLY ” Self-absorbed Short attention span “I’m entitled” Inexperienced High expectations of self and company Tech-savvy Non-conformist Enjoying life > work Multi-taskers Sponges for learning

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: THE ‘Y’S’ Mantra: “Re-define the rules” Values: Self expression, Must earn respect, Fear living poorly, Brand self as commodity Attributes: Adapt rapidly, Crave change, challenge, Create constantly, Exceptionally resilient, Committed, loyal, Global perspectives Work style: Need to understand – everything, View work as an expression of self, Multi-taskers, Seek active involvement, Flexible workplaces, Team work, Expect corporate social responsibility, Everything instant, Seek learning opportunities Generation Y Preferred Work Environment: to work with positive people, to be challenged, to be treated respectfully, to learn new knowledge and skills, to work in friendly environments, to have flexible schedules, to be paid well, goal- and achievement- oriented atmosphere

THE MILLENNIALS…  The Millennials are almost as large as Baby Boomers depending on how you measure them.  The Millennials are the children born between 1990 and 2002, a cohort called by various names:  Millennials have become the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in US History with nearly 35% of being minorities. Echo Boom Net Generation Millennials

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: MILENNIALS This generation has been plugged in since they were babies. They grew up with educational software and computer games. They think technology should be free. They want and expect services 24/7. They do not live in an 8–5 world. They all have cell phones and expect to be in contact 24/7. They function in an international world.

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: MILENNIALS Mantra: “What rules” Values: meaningful work, opportunities to collaborate, freedom of choice, fun, respect authenticity Attributes: confident, achieving, scheduled, team-oriented Work style: flexible work schedule, methodical, later starting time, early departure time Millennials Preferred Work Environment: transparency, free flow of information, change the world through technology, inclusiveness,

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Generation Y/Milennials Expect more and want structure and guidance Personal feedback, flexible scheduling Not hesitant to leave if needs are not met

ENGAGING THE GENERATIONS Traditionalists: Job satisfaction Knowledge transfer Personal fulfillment Boomers: Accountability Building partnerships Recognizing loyalty Gen X: Growth and development Recognition and support Give sufficient feedback Gen Y/Milennials Keep them informed Use resources efficiently Focus on teamwork

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE The hard working, loyal Traditionalists; The idealist, passionate Baby Boomers; The technoliterate, adaptable Gen X’ers’ The young, optimistic Millenial can co-exist in organizations today

“GENERATION MYOPIA IS THE MISTAKE WE MAKE WHEN WE APPLY THE ATTITUDES OF OUR GENERATION TO SOMEONE OF A DIFFERENT GENERATION” Jane Jopling West Virginia University