power of four: intergenerational communication for work and life
DESCRIPTION
Presented ByCameron KrugerOverview1.) Examine the traits of each generation. 2.) Assess our attitudes about other age groups. 3.) Discuss intergenerational communication. 4.) Leave with personal goals.BrainstormWhat do you think people assume about your work style based on your age?Ground RulesStereotypesA. Always Negative B. Generalizations C. Usually Accurate D. Not ObjectionableGround RulesPositive StereotypesA. Are Good And Should Be Used B. Still Contain Inaccuracies C.TRANSCRIPT
Presented By
Cameron Kruger
Overview
1.) Examine the traits of each generation.
2.) Assess our attitudes about other age groups.
3.) Discuss intergenerational communication.
4.) Leave with personal goals.Brainstorm
What do you think peopleassume about your work style based on your age?
Ground Rules
A. Always Negative
B. Generalizations
C. Usually Accurate
D. Not Objectionable
Stereotypes
Ground Rules
A. Are Good And Should Be Used
B. Still Contain Inaccuracies
C. Help Us Be Understood
Positive Stereotypes
Ground Rules
A. When Stereotype Becomes Fact
B. Guidelines For Behavior
C. Knowing How You Will Turn Out
Self-fulfilling Prophecy
Ground Rules
- Generic and Median
- Start the Conversation.
- Unique and Important.
Assumption is not a positive communication tool.
Slang
When you were in High School, what did you call…
hanging out and chatting?
Shoot the BreezeHang LooseChill OutMarinate
Adapted from alphadictionary.com
Slang
When you were in High School, what did you call…
alone time with that special someone?
Cuddle or SpoonNeck or Make-outHooch up or MugMaul or MashSnogging
Adapted from alphadictionary.com
Slang
When you were in High School, what did you call…
lose control or go crazy?
Flip Your WigGo BallisticWig OutJump the Couch
Adapted from alphadictionary.com
Slang
Why is Slang important?
- Sets us apart
- Code of the Club
- Retaining Values
Adapted from alphadictionary.com
Proverbs
Small Group Activity
- What do the proverbs say about the generation?
- How do the proverbs reflect your experiences?
- Is there truth to the proverbs?
Timeline
GENERATION TIMELINE 1922-1945 1946-1964 1965-1980 1981-2000
Veterans, Traditionalists
Baby Boomers
Generation X, The Slackers
Generation Y, Millennials
How do you the define generations?
Depends on who you ask.
Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University
The Four
TraditionalistsBasics:- Born from 1922 – 1945
- Ages 65 to 88 today
- Great Depression and WW II
The Four
TraditionalistsValues:
- Conformity, authority and rules
- Defined sense of right and wrong
- Loyalty and respect for authority
The Four
TraditionalistsAttributes:- Disciplined
- Dislike conflict
- Detail oriented
The Four
TraditionalistsWork Styles:
- Consistency and uniformity - Command-and-control leadership- Hierarchical structure
“These are the rules.”
The Four
Baby BoomersBasics:- Born from 1946 - 1964
- Ages 44 to 62 today
- Defined by Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Movement, and the Vietnam War
The Four
Values:
- Prosperity - Ownership - Self-actualizing
Baby Boomers
The Four
Attributes:
- Goal-oriented - Individual choice and freedom - Positive attitude
Baby Boomers
The Four
Work Styles:
- Coined “team-building” - Collaborative, group decisions- Live to Work, until Retirement
Baby Boomers
“Let’s talk about the rules.”
The Four
Generation X
Basics:- Born from 1965 - 1980
- Ages 28 to 43 today
- Defined by Latchkey, Political Mistrust (Watergate, Iran-Contra), 80’s Recession
The Four
Generation X
Values:
- Contribution - Feedback and recognition - Autonomy
The Four
Generation X
Attributes:
- Adaptability - Independence- Creative thinking
The Four
Generation X
Work Styles:
- Work to live not live to work - Flexibility in work, life- Authority, not titles
“Break all of the rules.”
The Four
Generation Y
Basics:- Born from 1981 - 1994
- Ages 14 to 27 today
- Defined by 9/11, Columbine, Iraq War, Information Age
The Four
Generation Y
Values:
- Self-expression, not self-control - Self-marketing- Respect must be earned
The Four
Generation Y
Attributes:
- Adapt rapidly, Create constantly - Committed and loyal- Diversity
The Four
Generation Y
Work Styles:
- Effect Change- Exceptional multi-taskers - Flexibility
“Redefine the rules.”
The Four
Work Ethic and Values Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y
Hard work
Respect authority
Sacrifice
Duty before fun
Adhere to rules
Workaholics
Work efficiently
Crusading causes
Personal fulfillment
Desire quality
Eliminate the task
Self-reliance
Want structure and direction
Skeptical
What’s next
Multitasking
Tenacity
Entrepreneurial
Tolerant
Goal oriented
Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University
The Four
Work is… Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y
An obligation An exciting adventure
A challenge A means to an end
Leadership Style Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y
Directive Consensus Challenge Others
Collaborative
Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University
The Four
Communications Style Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y
Formal
Memo
In person
Meetings
Direct
Immediate
Voicemail
Messages That Motivate Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y
Your experience is respected.
You are valued and needed.
You can do it your own way.
You will work with bright people.
Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University
In the Box
Communication
- Making assumptions or stereotyping.
- Not communicating on same “channel”.
- Using jargon or slang in communications.
- Talking “over” or being condescending.
In the Box
Employee Loyalty
- Not acknowledging individual motivation.
- Providing no recognition or the wrong kind.
- Mission/direction does not reflect values
- A fact of a new generation.
In the Box
Work Relationships
- Environment does not assist relationship building.
- Meetings do not acknowledge diverse learning/work styles.
- Managers are inaccessible.
- An overactive rumor mill exists.
In the Box
Efficiency/Production- The right tools for the wrong people, the wrong tools for the right people.
- Work environment distraction.
- No positive feedback or coaching; recognition not timely.
- Personality barriers with working team.
Truths
Fit the generations together with…
Cameron’s Positive
Universal Truths
Truths
Positive Universals
Find out what motivates them.
Truths
Positive Universals
Learn their favored work style.
Truths
Positive Universals
Recognize them the way they want.
Truths
Positive Universals
Diversify your work teams
ContactCameron Kruger(218) 213-4500
www.horizonnps.com
Consulting in…• Technology• Service-Learning• Youth Leadership• Program Management
QuickTime™ and a decompressor
are needed to see this picture.