THE GENERATIONAL
DIVIDE: WHAT PUSHES
BETWEEN CUBICLES
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Staff Senate Campus Morale and Engagement
Committee and Faculty Senate
Lee E. Meadows, Ph.D: In-service Facilitator
October 2, 2014
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Presentation Objectives:
1. Identify the four generational types
2. Discuss the work styles of the generational divide
3. Discuss the values of the generational divide
4. Present strategies for collaborative work styles
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Generation: a group of people who share a common
range of birthdates, normally 18-20 years, and
share a common set of experiences.
“A generational identity is a state of mind shaped
by many events and influences. Only you can
define what generation you fit into.”
‘Generations at Work,’ Ron Zemke, Claire Raines, Bob
Filipczak ISBN-13: 9780814432334
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
‘Understanding generational
experiences and perspectives and
learning to coach individuals from
different age groups are becoming
essential management skills.’
‘Coaching Generations in the Workplace’, Weston, Marla, Administration
Quarterly: Winter 2001 - Volume 25 - Issue 2 - p 11–21
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
For the first time in
modern society, four
distinct generations of
people are interacting
in the workforce.
WHO ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
6
GENERATION
BORN
Traditionalists
1920 - 1945
Baby Boomers
1946 - 1964
Generation X
1965 - 1980
Generation Y/Millenials
1981 – and growing
TRADITIONALS: 1920—1945
“WE VALUE THEIR WISDOM”
 Sacrifice
and honor
 Stable
 Loyal
 Experienced
 Conformist
 Difficulty
with change
 Techno-dinosaurs
 “Proper channels”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE:
TRADITIONALISTS
Mantra: “These are the rules”
Values: Conformity, Rules, Authority, Logic, Loyalty
Attributes: Disciplined, Historical perspective, Detail oriented,
Dislike conflict
Work style: Consistency and uniformity, Past oriented,
Command and control leadership, Hierarchical
Traditionalists Preferred Work Environment: structures,
orderly, chain of command, clear lines of authority and
demarcation,
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Traditionalists
Traditional, one-on-one
 Formal instructions
 Value seniority & hard work
 Hand written notes, plaques, pictures as
recognition

BABY BOOMERS: 1946 – 1964
“I HAVE NEW WORK NEEDS”
 Work-centric
 Self-centered
 Political
 Not
budget-minded
 Disillusioned
Youthful identity
 Team players
 Competitive
 Still learning!
 SANDWICH
GENERATION

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: BABY
BOOMERS
Mantra: “Let’s talk about the rules”
Values: Individual choice, Community involvement, Prosperity,
Ownership, Self-actualizing, Health and wellness
Attributes: Adaptable, Goal oriented, Positive attitude, Focus on
choice and freedom
Work style: Confident, Team focused, Collaborative decision
makers, Avoid conflict
Boomers Preferred Work Environment: autonomy, sense of
meaning, chance to learn new things, schedules and
routines, opportunity for face-to-face contacts
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Baby Boomers
Collegiality & participation
 Relationship driven, peer-to-peer
 Value life-long learning,
 empowerment
 Public recognition and perks

GENERATION X: 1965 – 1980
“HOW CAN WE HOLD ONTO THEM?”





Entrepreneurial
Self-reliant
Pragmatic
Work-Life Balance
Desire for development
 Cynical
 Impatient
 Poor
people skills
 “My way”
 Less loyal
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: THE ‘X’S’
Mantra: “Break all the rules”
Values: Contribution, Feedback, recognition, Autonomy, Time
with manager
Attributes: Adaptable, Independent, Creative
Work style: High-quality end results, Productive, Work/life balance,
Flexible-work arrangements, Comfortable with authority – not
impressed with titles
Generation X’s Preferred Work Environment: casual,
friendly, functional, efficient, technologically up-to-date,
neat, clean, orderly, collegial, a place to learn, high level of
freedom
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Generation X
Equal, sharing coaching
 Opportunity to demonstrate
 Do not want to be micromanaged
 Recognition based on merit, e.g. paid leave, cash

GENERATION Y: 1981 – 2000
“THEY LEARN DIFFERENTLY”





Self-absorbed
Short attention span
“I’m entitled”
Inexperienced
High expectations of
self and company
 Tech-savvy
 Non-conformist
 Enjoying
life > work
 Multi-taskers
 Sponges for learning
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: THE ‘Y’S’
Mantra: “Re-define the rules”
Values: Self expression, Must earn respect, Fear living poorly,
Brand self as commodity
Attributes: Adapt rapidly, Crave change, challenge, Create
constantly, Exceptionally resilient, Committed, loyal, Global
perspectives
Work style: Need to understand – everything, View work as an
expression of self, Multi-taskers, Seek active involvement,
Flexible workplaces, Team work, Expect corporate social
responsibility, Everything instant, Seek learning opportunities
Generation Y Preferred Work Environment: to work with
positive people, to be challenged, to be treated respectfully, to
learn new knowledge and skills, to work in friendly environments,
to have flexible schedules, to be paid well, goal- and achievementoriented atmosphere
THE MILLENNIALS…



The Millennials are almost as large as Baby Boomers
depending on how you measure them.
The Millennials are the children born between 1990 and 2002, a
cohort called by various names:
Millennials have become the most racially and ethnically
diverse generation in US History with nearly 35% of being
minorities.
Millennials
Net Generation
Echo Boom
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE:
MILENNIALS
This generation has been plugged in since they
were babies.
 They grew up with educational software and
computer games.
 They think technology should be free.
 They want and expect services 24/7.
 They do not live in an 8–5 world.
 They all have cell phones and expect to be
in contact 24/7.
 They function in an international
world.

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE:
MILENNIALS
Mantra: “What rules”
Values: meaningful work, opportunities to collaborate, freedom of
choice, fun, respect authenticity
Attributes: confident, achieving, scheduled, team-oriented
Work style: flexible work schedule, methodical, later starting time,
early departure time
Millennials Preferred Work Environment: transparency, free
flow of information, change the world through technology,
inclusiveness,
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Generation Y/Milennials
Expect more and want structure and guidance
 Personal feedback, flexible scheduling
 Not hesitant to leave if needs are not met

ENGAGING THE GENERATIONS
Traditionalists:
 Job satisfaction
 Knowledge transfer
 Personal fulfillment
Boomers:
 Accountability
 Building partnerships
 Recognizing loyalty
Gen X:
 Growth and
development
 Recognition and
support
 Give sufficient
feedback
Gen Y/Milennials
 Keep them informed
 Use resources
efficiently
 Focus on teamwork
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
The hard working, loyal
Traditionalists;
The technoliterate,
adaptable Gen X’ers’
The idealist, passionate
Baby Boomers;
The young, optimistic
Millenial can co-exist
in organizations today
“GENERATION MYOPIA IS
THE
MISTAKE WE MAKE WHEN WE
APPLY THE ATTITUDES OF
OUR GENERATION TO
SOMEONE
OF A DIFFERENT
GENERATION”
Jane Jopling
West Virginia University