The Power of Difference
Leading Four Generations
Understanding the Generations
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Who are they ?
What makes them tick?
Where are they coming
from?
What do I need to
consider?
How are we going to
learn together?
Why should I care?
Who are they ?
1922-1943 1944-1960
Seniors,
Veterans,
Matures,
Pre-Boomers
1961-1980
1981-2000
Baby
Generation Xers, Nexters, Y’s,
Boomers,
Twentysomethings, Millennials,
Boomers,
Baby Busters
Generation Net
Early Boomers
What makes them tick?
Seniors
Boomers
Xers
•Respect
•Workaholic
•Technoliterate
•Hard work
•SelfGratification
•Global
mindset
•Participation
•Informal
•Team player
•Optimistic
•Skeptical
•Loyal
•Practical
•Sacrifice
•Follow rules
•Formal
•Physical
health
•Work & life
balance
•Fun
•Spirituality
•Self-reliant
Gen
Y
•Goal
oriented
•Technosavvy
•Optimistic
•Moral
mindset
•Diversity
•Hopeful
•Social
activism
Talkin’About My Generation
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What happens to us at school,
work, home and play, and in
the world at large, shapes
“who” we are. These events
impact how we think, how we
feel, what motivates us, our
beliefs, our fears, and for us
today—how we work together.
Seniors
“Here’s Lookin’ at You!”
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Seniors:
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Work is…survival
Loyal and dependable
Work is hard
Does not deal well with change or conflict.
Follows rules, lives by law and order.
Honour and respect of authority.
Work mostly in…big companies, manufacturing, and
government.
Highest proportion of self-employed.
Rewards and recognition…are waited for, and require personal
touch with traditional tangible and intangible recognition.
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Baby Boomers
“Let It Be”
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Boomers:
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Work is…fulfillment.
Work mostly in….technical and productions jobs, management
and professions.
Teamwork and cooperation.
Technophobes
Rewards and recognition…personal and public recognition,
involvement, and never forget to thank for the long hours.
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Generation X
“I Will Survive”
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Generation Xers:
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Work is…a job.
Thrive on change
Enjoys being challenged and wants to learn.
Work mostly in….information age and services, and starting own
businesses
Likes multitasking jobs.
Globalization.
Look out for yourself attitude from downsizing and globalization
Adaptable to change.
Technoliterate.
Rewards and recognition…feedback, freedom, technology tools,
lots of tasks.
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“Me, Myself & I”
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GenY:
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Work is…means to an end.
Hard working.
Goal oriented
Work will mostly be in…professional careers, services and
technology.
Require supervision and support.
Technologically smart.
Rewards and recognition…expect pay equity, working with likeminded people and making a difference to the organization,
and… still being defined.
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How are we going to learn together?
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Understand what makes them tick –
how to motivate
Give appropriate feedback &
recognition
Communicate effectively
Accommodate their differences as is
practical
Invite input
Reframe differences in terms of
generational values
Strategies to create harmony &
cohesion between Generations…
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Acknowledge and appreciate
differences
Promote intergenerational discussion
Adopt the attitude of collegiality
Education, the great equalizer
Foster multigenerational mentoring
programs
Why should I care?
Veterans: Respect the knowledge, experience
and dedication of this group.
Boomers: Maintain the engagement of this
group.
Gen X: Retain this group to ensure that
they will be prepared to take the reins
when the Boomers retire.
Nexters: Prevent discouragement and harness
the enthusiasm of this group.