Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
WHY CAN’T THEY BE LIKE US? Understanding & Managing
Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Objective of today’s program:
� Provide you with a basic understanding of the three generations in today’s workplace
� Provide action steps for managing each generation
OBJECTIVESUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
In small groups, discuss:� What management issues do you experience with
members of the following age demographics:
� Report out to the larger group
50 - 68
What are the Issues?
34 - 49 21 - 33
Understanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Consultant, author and speaker to Fortune 500 companies
CAM MARSTON
Appeared in Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, New Zealand Herald, BBC, and numerous business journals around the world
Understanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
BABY BOOMERSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Characteristics:� Born between 1946 – 1964� Largest workforce – 80 million people� Most set to retire in next 20 years
- Which will dramatically change the landscape of the work force
� Grew up in political and social turmoil� The first “Me Generation"
BABY BOOMERSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
In the Workplace:� Value hard work (workaholics)� Optimistic� Loyal to company� Value “face time”� Value recognition� Team Orientation
BABY BOOMERSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Motivated by:� Money� Recognition� Control� Promotion
BABY BOOMERSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
TOP 5 ACTIONS FOR BABY BOOMERS
Be accessible and involvedGive frequent, specific recognitionCoach, don’t direct: ask and listen
Recognize team orientationBe honest, candid and direct
Understanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
GEN XUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Characteristics:� Born between 1965 – 1980� Grew up in financial, familial, and societal insecurity� Aspire to be better than previous generation� Accustomed to (and expect) instant feedback
GEN XUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
In the Workplace:� Independent and strive for autonomy� Value continuous learning and development� Loyal to boss (if earned), not employer� Skeptical – “Prove It” � Work needs to be fun and challenging –
will leave to find better opportunities� Question authority figures
GEN XUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Motivated by:� Bonuses� Recognition� Meeting personal objectives� Mentoring � Training
GEN XUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
TOP 5 ACTIONS FOR GEN Xers
Provide clear expectationsExplain why
Give instant feedbackSeparate career and life:
be flexible with timeHonor your commitments
Understanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
MILLENNIALSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
Characteristics:� Born between 1981 – 1993� Shaped by parental excess, computers, technology� Comfort with technology� Most highly educated generation� Multi-task w/ease
MILLENNIALSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
In the Workplace:� Value training� Demanding and sense of entitlement� Desire work/life balance� Value team work� Less process focused – more
entrepreneurial� Changes jobs more frequently to gain
more knowledge and responsibilities� (Very) Short Attention Span
MILLENNIALSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
� Motivated by:� Mentoring� Recognition� Time Off� Training� Meeting Personal Objectives
MILLENNIALSUnderstanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
TOP 5 ACTIONS FOR MILLENNIALS
Give frequent and instant feedback, keep energy highUse technology to the max
Help them achieve their goalsProvide close supervisionMentoring and training
Understanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
• Based on what you’ve learned about the generations,how would you address the issues that arose with these demographics?
50 - 68
Managing the Issues
34 - 49 21 - 33
Understanding & Managing Workplace Generations
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice
QUESTIONS?
Coaching for Clarity, Perspective & Choice