The Power of Difference

Leading Four Generations

Understanding the Generations Who are they ? What makes them tick? Where are they coming

from? What do I need to

consider? How are we going to

learn together? Why should I care?

Who are they ?

1922-1943 Seniors, Veterans, Matures, Pre-Boomers

1944-1960 Baby Boomers, Boomers, Early Boomers

1961-1980 Generation Xers, Twentysomethings, Baby Busters

1981-2000 Nexters, Y’s, Millennials, Generation Net

What makes them tick?Seniors Boomers Xers Gen

Y•Respect

•Hard work

•Loyal

•Practical

•Sacrifice

•Follow rules

•Formal

•Workaholic

•Self-Gratification

•Participation

•Team player•Optimistic

•Physical health

•Spirituality

•Technoliterate

•Global mindset

•Informal

•Skeptical

•Work & life balance•Fun

•Self-reliant

•Goal oriented

•Techno-savvy

•Optimistic

•Moral mindset•Diversity•Hopeful•Social activism

Talkin’About My Generation What happens to us at school,

work, home and play, and in the world at large, shapes “who” we are. These events impact how we think, how we feel, what motivates us, our beliefs, our fears, and for us today—how we work together.

Seniors

“Here’s Lookin’ at You!” Seniors: Work is…survival Loyal and dependable Work is hard Does not deal well with change or conflict. Follows rules, lives by law and order. Honour and respect of authority. Work mostly in…big companies, manufacturing, and

government. Highest proportion of self-employed. Rewards and recognition…are waited for, and require personal

touch with traditional tangible and intangible recognition.

Baby Boomers

“Let It Be” Boomers: Work is…fulfillment. Work mostly in….technical and productions jobs, management

and professions. Teamwork and cooperation. Technophobes Rewards and recognition…personal and public recognition,

involvement, and never forget to thank for the long hours.

Generation X

“I Will Survive” Generation Xers: Work is…a job. Thrive on change Enjoys being challenged and wants to learn. Work mostly in….information age and services, and starting own

businesses Likes multitasking jobs. Globalization. Look out for yourself attitude from downsizing and globalization Adaptable to change. Technoliterate. Rewards and recognition…feedback, freedom, technology tools,

lots of tasks.

?

“Me, Myself & I” GenY: Work is…means to an end. Hard working. Goal oriented Work will mostly be in…professional careers, services and

technology. Require supervision and support. Technologically smart. Rewards and recognition…expect pay equity, working with like-

minded people and making a difference to the organization, and… still being defined.

How are we going to learn together?

Understand what makes them tick – how to motivate

Give appropriate feedback & recognition

Communicate effectively Accommodate their differences as is

practical Invite input Reframe differences in terms of

generational values

Strategies to create harmony & cohesion between Generations…

Acknowledge and appreciate differences

Promote intergenerational discussion Adopt the attitude of collegiality Education, the great equalizer Foster multigenerational mentoring

programs

Why should I care?Veterans: Respect the knowledge, experience

and dedication of this group.Boomers: Maintain the engagement of this

group.Gen X:  Retain this group to ensure that

they will be prepared to take the reins when the Boomers retire.

Nexters: Prevent discouragement and harness the enthusiasm of this group.