2004 Wheel of
Learning
Cam Marston
Q: What do I need to
know about the four
generations that will impact
my workplace?
Generational Repetition:
1) Each generation assumes the following
generations will want what they have and
will share their same definition of “success”.
2) Each generation then believes the following
generations should “pay their dues” the
same way to earn that success.
3) With a few exceptions, each generation
thinks the following generation has had it
much easier.
Millennials, AKA:
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Baby Boomlets
Echo Boomers
Generation Y
Generation Why?
September 11 Generation
Dot-Com Generation
The US Population Today
The Generations in the Workplace
Part I – Understand the
background of each generation.
Two Theories:
1. The oldest, wealthiest, and most
visible members of a generation
define the behavior and attitude for
those that follow.
Definitions of a Generation
• Common Experiences
• Shared Values
The Matures
• Duty, honor, country
• Dedication, sacrifice
• Conformity, blending, unity – “We
First”
• Patience
• Hard, hard times then prosperity
• National pride
• Doing a good job was most
important
• Age = Seniority
The Baby Boomers
• Work ethic = Worth ethic2
• “workaholic”; competitive
• Success is largely visible – trophies,
plaques, lifestyle elements
• Optimistic
• Consumers
• Defined by their job
• Personal development
• We are the world; We are the
children
The Boomers…
1970
Killer weed
Acid rock
Hoping for a BMW
Rolling Stones
Trying to look like
Liz Taylor or Marlon
Brando
Long hair
2004
Weed killer
Acid reflux
Hoping for a BM
Kidney Stones
Trying NOT to look
like Liz Taylor or
Marlon Brando
Longing for hair
Generation X
• Came of age when our national
institutions came into question.
• “This company never promised you
anything.” Layoffs – end of lifelong
employment
• No common heroes
• Suspicious of Boomers values
• Raised as their parent’s “friends”
• Had to learn to fend for themselves
• Very self-reliant
• Cynical and pessimistic
Millennials
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Optimistic
Individualistic yet group oriented
Difficulty focusing on “non-stimulating stuff”
Busy
Like “X”, raised as their parent’s friends.
Acknowledge and admire select authorities
Think the Matures are cool! Parents, too.
Ambitious yet appear aimless
Part I – Understand the
background of each generation.
Two Theories:
2. Identify a generation’s heroes and
you’ll learn their value systems.
Heroes
Matures
Boomers
Gen X
Millennial
2004 Wheel of Learning
NCCCS
Cam Marston
2004 Wheel of Learning
NCCCS
Cam Marston
For Further
Thought
What characteristics are you looking for
in employees or students or coworkers?
• Discipline
• Focus
• Execution
Discipline
Focus
Execution
The next generation may also bring:
• A desire for open, non-hierarchal
communication
• Tolerance and respect for expressing emotion
• An acknowledgment and respect for personal
values
• Allowances for spirituality
• Teams of individuals
Heroes
Matures
Boomers
Gen X
Millennial
2004 Wheel of Learning
NCCCS
Cam Marston