Understanding and Managing the 4 Generations in the Workplace
Understanding and Managing the 4 Generations in the Workplace
There is much agreement in business about generational diversity in the new millennium for American workers. First, most business researchers agree that there are 4 very different generations in the workplace: the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y workers. Second, many business leaders and managers agree that getting these groups to work together effectively is challenging. Finally, many workers agree that the different generations look at each other with confusion and suspicion as they interact together in the workplace. As a result, generations are colliding in the workplace and business professionals are working hard to contain the organizational damage that occurs. Managers and leaders must first understand each of these groups, however, before they can stop generational collisions from occurring in the workplace.
The book, Generations at Work, by authors Zemke, Raines, & Filipczak, provides useful information for understanding each generation and working with them effectively. Each generation is shaped by its year of birth, age, and critical events that occurred in society. These differences give each generation unique work values and work ethics and preferred ways of managing and being managed.
The oldest generation in the workplace is the Veterans. The Veterans were born between 1922 and 1943, and they are also known as the Greatest Generation, Loyalists, and the Traditionalists. Notable members of this generation include Jimmy Carter, Geraldine Ferraro, and Warren Buffett.
Members of the Veteran generation were defined by events such as the Great Depression and World War II. They survived the Great Depression, turned the economy around, and fought and won a World War. As a result, this generation values sacrifice, hard work, conformity to rules, and respect for authority. They are loyal to employers. A critical insight in understanding this generation is their strong belief in paying your dues. From their perspective, rewards, status, respect, and authority must be earned!
To work effectively with Veterans, let them know that you value their experience, spend adequate time in orientation and training activities (including the use of technology), and respect common norms of courteous behavior.
The second oldest generation in the workplace is the Baby Boomers. The Baby Boomers were born between 1943 and 1960. Notable members of this generation include Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates.
Members of the Baby Boomer generation were defined by events such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Women's Liberation's movement. They challenged the status quo, sought immediate gratification, and set out to fulfill their individual goals. As a result, this generation values personal growth, team involvement, and personal gratification. They are ambitious, highly-educated, and multi-taskers. A critical insight in understanding this generation is that they are loyal to their careers first and to their employers second! Baby Boomers see themselves as the Stars of the Show.
To work effectively with Boomers, show them how they can be an organizational star, provide them with developmental opportunities, and involve them in operational matters.
The third generation in the workplace is Generation X. Generation X was born between 1960 and 1980, and they are also known as the Post-Boomers, Twenty-somethings, Xers, and Slackers. Notable members of this generation include Michael Jordan, Jewel (the singer), and Michael Dell.
Members of Generation X were defined by the Latchkey kids dynamic (took care of themselves at home as their parent(s) worked), MTV, and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Of all the generations, they came from homes with the highest number of divorced parents. These events have made them independent, self-sufficient, and skeptical. They value diversity, work/life balance, technology, and informality. A critical insight in understanding this generation is that they tend to view all work as just a job. Generation X are the True Contestants of Survivor!
To work effectively with Generation X, partner them with mentors that they respect, do not expect them to "give their life to the job" (instead promote work/life balance), and refrain from giving them too much extended hands-on supervision.
The last generation in the workplace is Generation Y. Generation Y was born between 1980 and 2000, and they are also known as Millenials, Nexters, and the Internet Generation. Notable members of this generation include Leann Rimes, McCauly Culkin, and Chelsea Clinton.
Members of Generation Y were defined by events such as computers and technology, schoolyard violence, TV talk shows, and the girl's movement. They grew up in a supportive environment where (1) protective parents and other adults attended to their needs, (2) all kids receive rewards regardless of individual effort, and (3) punishment was often time-outs. This has made them confident, sociable, and optimistic. They also do not always understand their limitations. They value civic duty, achievement, sociability, and multi-tasking. They are open-minded, the most accepting of diversity, and unafraid of change. A critical insight in understanding this generation is that they like bosses to coach rather than supervise. Generation Y are optimistic and confident charmers!
To work effectively with Generation Y, partner them with Boomers, provide them with structure, and be generous with training and orientation activities.
Veterans, Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y workers are very different, and this makes for interesting group dynamics. Defined by their age, date of birth, and critical societal events, each generation brings its own strengths and limitations to the workplace. By understanding the strengths, limitations, and values of each generation, managers and leaders can minimize generational collisions. In doing so, managers and leaders will avoid the organizational conflict, employee turnover, and lost productivity that occurs when business professionals are unaware of the differences of the four generations in the workplace.
Business Consulting Solutions LLC, Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
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