These slides are part of the "Communicating Across a Multi-Generational Campus" workshop, delivered at Ball State University in September 2014.
Workshop facilitated by Michelle Baker, phase(two)learning.
phasetwolearning.com - phasetwolearning@gmail.com
2. Today’s Agenda
•Welcome, introductions, session overview
•“Common Ground”
•5 Generations in the Workplace
•Your place in the Generational Pool
•Generational Characteristics
•Tips to Effectively Communicate with People of Each Generation
•Key Messages
•Final Thoughts, Tools & Resources
3. Welcome!
Tell us about yourself!
•Your name
•Your role
•Something you’re hoping to get from today’s session
5. “Common Ground” With your small group, list as many things as you can think of that EVERYONE in the group has in common. Examples: “We are all wearing brown shoes.” “We are all the oldest sibling in our families.” “None of us have been to Europe.”
Small Group Exercise
How many can your group come up with in 3 minutes?
6. 5 Generations in the Workplace
For the first time in history, today’s workplace employs 5 generations of workers:
•Traditionalists (born 1918-1945)
•Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)
•Generation X (born 1965-1980)
•Generation Y (“Millenials”) (born 1981-1995)
•Generation Z (“Linksters”) (born 1996-present)
Significant historical and socioeconomic events - “generational signposts” - have shaped each generation. Understanding the characteristics and motivation for each generation will help colleagues to understand and communicate and work together.
7. 5 Generations in the Workplace
(1918-1945)
- Stock market crash
- Great Depression
- New Deal
- Pearl Harbor
- WW2
- Death of FDR
- Polio vaccine
- Korean War
- GI Bill
(1946-1964) - Television - The Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show - JFK assassination - Civil Rights - Woodstock - Man walks on the Moon - Women’s Lib/Equal Rights - Vietnam War - John Lennon shot
(1965-1980) - Personal computers - Sesame Street - Fall of Berlin Wall - End of Cold War - “Latchkey kids” - Challenger disaster - “MTV generation” - Oklahoma City bombing
(1981-1995) - Internet - Cell phones & smartphones - OJ Simpson trial - Columbine massacre - Sept. 11 attacks - Invasion of Iraq - Birth of social media - “Everyone gets a trophy”
(1996-present) - “Digital Natives” - Obama – first black President - Marriage equality debate - “Helicopter parents” THIS GENERATION IS STILL BEING DEFINED!
Traditionalists
Baby Boomers
Generation X
Gen Y (Millenials)
Gen Z (Linksters)
8. Characteristics of Traditionalists in the Workplace:
•13% of today’s workforce
•Rarely complain
•Solid experience; tempered wisdom
•Fans of conformity
•Frugal
•Dependable; strong work ethic
9. Characteristics of Baby Boomers in the Workplace:
•26.4% of today’s workforce
•“Workaholic” tendencies
•Optimistic
•Thrives on recognition and career progression
•Titles and hierarchy matter
•Not always comfortable with technology
10. Characteristics of Gen Xers in the Workplace:
•19.8% of today’s workforce
•Former “latchkey kids” – self-reliant
•Results-oriented
•Realists, sometimes skeptical
•Freedom is the ultimate reward
11. Characteristics of Gen Y & Z in the Workplace:
•27.7% of today’s workforce (<1% Gen Z)
•Technically savvy – natural networkers
•Socially conscious – looking for work that has meaning
•Competitive and confident
•Seeks immediate gratification, recognition and promotion
•Can struggle with autonomy and making decisions
12. Exercise – Pin the Trait on the Generation
Everyone will be given a card with a generational trait. Attach your card to the generation with which it is most closely associated. We’ll discuss as a group - be prepared to explain what you chose and why!
14. Despite the Differences…
Despite generational differences, there are also some similarities:
•Everyone wants and deserves to be respected
•Leaders must be trustworthy
•No one really likes change
•Loyalty depends on context
•Most people want to learn and develop
•Most people appreciate honest feedback
15. Tips for Communicating Across Generations
For the first time in history, today’s workplace employs 5 generations of workers:
•Match formality to the culture
•Use multiple communication methods – tailor your approach to the recipient
•Consider motivation tactics
•Ask, don’t assume
•Be willing to learn, be willing to teach – recognize when each is appropriate
It’s everyone’s responsibility to accept, respect and acknowledge generational differences across the workplace!
16. Small Group Exercise
With your small group, review your assigned scenario. Discuss suggestions on how the people in the scenarios could recognize generational differences and effectively communicate. We’ll discuss as a group - be prepared to share your scenario and summarize your discussion with the entire group!
17. Key Messages
•There are currently 5 distinct generations in the American workplace
•Each generation has been shaped by significant historical and socioeconomic events, or “generational signposts”
•Despite the generational differences, everyone deserves to be heard and respected
18. Your Action Plan
In your handout, write down 2-3 things you will do to improve communication in your department or other departments across campus.
•What will you do differently?
•How will it enhance communication?
•Who will hold you accountable?
19. Key Messages
Want to learn more about communicating across generations?
•Helpful resources listed in your handout
•Today’s slides available for download on Slideshare Got questions? Need more info? Email: phasetwolearning@gmail.com Twitter: @MichelleLBaker
