Talking 'Bout My Generation

Generational diversity. It's a thing. Or lots of things, actually. Around twenty of my statie peers and I took training called "Generational Differences". One great thing about being a state employee is that we are afforded opportunities for training like this. Good stuff.

The reasoning behind the training is that generational conflicts may impede work. I hoped the training would assist in my ability to understand other generations, but I also wanted to take the course to understand how I can assist stakeholders I work with. They too need to deal with this issue - getting their messages out to four generations. Soon 5!

I left the training with the idea that I need to get a workshop speaker on this fascinating topic. It's important to know who you are talking to!

Why is generational diversity important to understand in the workplace - and throughout our lives? Haven't you wondered - why do my kids or grandkids think or act like that? This information can help provide answers. Credit to PDA (who the state uses for training) class materials for most of this information.

Of course, like everything, this examination isn't perfect. In some ways, I feel more like a GenXer (young at heart?). One person in my class said she felt more like a Baby Boomer, though she is younger. She revealed she was raised with much older siblings.

Paul's traditionalist sisters Carol and Jean

Generations:
Traditionalists - 1925 to 1945ish
Values: loyal, duty, honor, formal, respect, rule-follower, family values/religious, structured

What happened during their formative years? (ages 10-20)
WW2, Depression, prohibition, economic development, television from radio

How to work with this generation:

• acknowledge their contributions - who doesn't like to hear that they have made a difference?
• provide genuine positive feedback (don't fake it - "good job Gran, way to chew your food!")
• be patient when heading through change - no swearing... 
• provide tools and time to learn new things
• ask them to mentor others - I love this one! They can tell us "Here's how you deal with those young idiots" 

Baby Boomers all 

Baby Boomers - 1946 to 1964ish *this is my generation (some use 1960 as an end)
Values: Yeah, we're kind of a big deal, but we're on our way out of the workplace. Who knew it would happen so soon! One day you're growing up on a hill in smalltown Iowa with all your fellow Boomers in "Fairlawns" and other cool neighborhoods available to play with. Next thing you know, you are grown up and nearly ready to exit the workplace. Others look at you like you are elderly and out of it. Maybe you are.
Values: Personal growth, career, achievement, home, voice, solve problems, team-oriented. We are all about use and $$

Formative years: what they said - Korea, Vietnam, JFK and assassinations, drugs, birth control, Cold War, space race
What I think: all those TV shows that made us think that's what our lives should be like. Our trainer, Carol, had us watch this youtube video "A Tribute to Baby Boomers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5IJexTaLfg  

How to work with my generation: Give us beer - it can be cheap or good stuff. But that's just me representing. The training said: give recognition for good work, $, give problems to solve, provide flexibility, provide training opportunities to learn about other generations (I think they are saying we are self-centered).

Our GenX niece Barb and husband Mike

Gen X 1965-1980ish
Values: Autonomy, independence, self-reliance, "latch key kids", Work Life balance, work to live

Formative years: Working mothers - came home to empty houses - learned to entertain themselves, beginning of video, cell phone, computers, MTV, Berlin Wall, drugs, parents getting laid off, divorce, AIDS

Values: Independence, tech-savvy, not being micro-managed, values time overpay, autonomy, work/life balance

How to work with GXers: allow them flexibility, provide "hands-on" learning opportunities, be straight-forward and authentic, they may not be loyal to 1 company (as Baby Boomer are/were) but they are loyal to people.

With our fave Millennials! 

Generation Y (or Millennials)1981-2000 There are some 80 million
Values: Collaboration, innovation, teamwork, flexibility, positive feedback, communications, available information

How we formed these peeps: I admit it, Paul and I developed a couple. 9/11, Social Media, better cell phones, LGBTQ, Reality TV, conscience commerce. Think about it. The younger of this gen don't recall life without cell phones.

How to work with Gen Y: Set expectations regarding feedback - frequency, avenues, provide positive constructive feedback, Listen, be flexible, take advantage of their multitasking skills, keep things new.

Generation Z - Those born after 2000. They are hitting the workforce now. To be continued.