1. Animal House, Prince and Avocado Toast: Can They All Work Together?

2. GENERATIONS
 Traditionalists---Born from 1925 to 1942.  44 million in U.S.
 Baby Boomers---Born from 1943 to 1966.  80 million in U.S.
Generation X---Born from 1966 to 1980.  46 million in U.S.
Millenials---Born from 1980 to early 2000s.  92 million in U.S.

4. BABY BOOMERS
70 to 80 million will exit the workplace in the next decade
Constitute a large majority of today’s company leaders.
Major influences:  Suburbia, Vietnam, Watergate, Protests
Characteristics:  Idealistic, individualistic, believe in “paying your dues” and moving up the ladder
Loyalty is important, but not as
much as with Traditionalists.  May
change jobs, but afraid of
“getting behind.”

6. GENERATION X
Will be taking over positions from Baby Boomers---different values
Major influences:  Television, early video games, higher divorce rate among parents, latch-key kids
Characteristics:  Self-reliant, distrustful of institutions, skeptical, comfortable with technology, focus on family
Seek fun and meaningful work environment.  More entrepreneurial.  Must earn their respect.

8. MILLENIALS – HOW OLDER PEOPLE SEE THEM
Reputation of being tough to manage.
Major influences:  Hand-held technology, social media, diversity, global thinking, “helicopter” parents, “everybody gets a trophy”
Characteristics:  Cyber-savvy.  Quick absorption of information.  Realists.
Do not follow “climb the
ladder”. Strong belief in
self-expression. Want
flexibility in work
environment.

9. PERCEIVED DIFFERENCES AMONG GENERATIONS (from a Brown University study):
Traditionals      
Boomer
Gen X
Millenial
Changing Jobs
Carries a stigma
Puts you behind
Is necessary
The ultimate multi-taskers
Motivators
Job well done
$, title, promotion
Freedom, fun
Personal fulfillment
Workplace flexibility
Who will do the work?
Judges those not at office
I’ll go where I can get it
Should suit my needs
Productivity in many areas
Inputs and outputs matter
Input matters most
Output is all that matters
Churn lots of topsoil
Give me more…
Essential
Money
Time
Affirmation
Performance Reviews
If no one is yelling, good
Once a year; documented
Sorry to interrupt, how am I doing?
What do you mean I’m not outstanding?

11. COMMUNICATION---Try Something New
Baby Boomers----Prefer face-to-face or verbal communication.
Generation X----Want communication to be instantaneous
Millenials---Much happier with electronic communications
TIPS: 
Manage expectations on response times
Realize that you may not catch all employees in their office -try electronic notices
Pick a time for telephone conversations.
Don’t over-meet

12. MENTORING-----IT WORKS BOTH WAYS
Millenials----Want to learn new skills.  Used to following leadership.
Baby Boomers---Benefit from learning about new technology and trends.
Generation X---Like cooperative thinking and validation of a plan

13. OVERALL TIPS---WE SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THIS STUFF
Treat co-workers with respect.
Recognize that people process information and work differently.
Try new ideas and methods.
Don’t be afraid to have fun in the office.

14. Thank you for your attention !
Will Manuel, Partner Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP 188 E. Capitol St., Ste 1000 Jackson, MS
Thank you
for your attention !