Understanding Generational DifferencesAPWAPublic Works InstituteApril 9, 2014

Today’s Goals Understand our generational differences

Learn the importance of developing teams across generations

Determine how to capitalize on strengths

Consider communication and motivation of a variety of generations

GenerationsGeneration Birth Years Current

PopulationTraditionalists 1925-1945 50 million

Baby Boomers 1946-1964 80 million

Generation X 1965-1980 46 million

Generation Y/Millennials

1981-2006 76 million

Why consider generational differences? Trying to fit an increasingly

nontraditional workforce into a traditional workplace

Different values, experiences and styles create misunderstanding and frustration

Hinders development and execution of plans and ideas

Why consider generational differences? It’s about creating effective teams.

Active listening Differing perspectives A range of expertise Humor Recognition and appreciation

Generations: The Details

Traditionalists: 1925-1945Influences Characteristics

Great Depression Roaring 1920s WWI and WWII Korean War GI Bill

Patriotic “Waste not/want

not” Faith in institutions-

one company career Military influenced

top down approach

Key Word: Loyal

Traditionalists

Baby Boomers: 1946-1964Influences Characteristics

Suburbia TV Vietnam, Watergate Human Rights

Movement Drugs and

RockNRoll

Idealistic Very competitive Question authority

Key Word: Optimist

Baby Boomers

Generation X: 1965-1980Influences Characteristics

Sesame Street and MTV

Game Boy Divorce rate tripled Latch Key Kids

Eclectic Resourceful Self -reliant Distrustful of

institutions Highly adaptive to

change and technology

Key Word: Skepticism

Generation X

Millennials: 1981-2006Influences Characteristics

Expanded technology

Natural disasters Violence Ganges Diversity

Globally concerned Realistic Cyber literate Personal safety is

top concern

Key Word: Realistic

Millennials

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Goals Build a legacy Stellar Career Portable Career

Parallel Careers

Career Path Job changing stigma

Job changing puts you behind

Job changing is necessary

Doesn’t have to be in a straight path

Rewards Job well done Money, title and recognition

Freedom Work that has meaning

Motivator Security Money Time off Time off

Company Loyalty

Highest High Low Low

Money is Livelihood Status symbol Means to end Today’s payoff

Value Family/Community

Success Time Individuality

Playing to the strengths Communication

Management Style

Motivation

Communication Let’s consider something outside the

box. Your experience is respected. Your commitment made all the

difference. Your contributions are really valuable.

Communication You will be collaborating with other

bright, creative people. You are important to our success. Tell us what has worked well in the past. Your technical expertise is a big asset.

Management Style My experience should bring value to the

organization. I expect the appropriate level of

authority and respect for what I do. All I want is to know how I’m doing and

to be recognized for what I do. I want to be part of a team.

Motivation

Motivation

Motivation

Credits“When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work.”

By Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman

Survey Analysis: Employee Motivation by Generation Factors

By Seleste Lunsford, Achieve Global