Transcript Slide 1

When Generations
Collide
Patty Scott, Ed.D.
President
Southwestern Oregon Community College
[email protected]
Providing A Contextual Framework
Generation Identity is a state of mind
shaped by many events and influences –
usually 19-24 years long
Understanding Generational Differences
sets a context of who we are and a context
about our employees/customers/club
members
Generation
Birth Years
Awakening
1701–1723
Liberty
1724–1741
Republican
1742–1766
Compromise
1767–1791
Transcendental
1792–1821
Gilded
1822–1842
Progressive
1843–1859
Missionary
1860–1882
Lost
1883–1900
G.I.
1901–1924
Silent
1925–1942
Boom
1943–1960
Generation X
1961–1981
Millennial/Gen Y
1982-2002
Silent Generation
Born between 1925–1945(75 Million)or 1925-1942
Loyal
Peaceful, traditional
home life
Heroes were politicians
Conforming, Respect
Chain of Command
Safe, stable, lifelong jobs
Symbols are Important
Waste not, Want not
Material possessions
scarce
Strong work ethic/morals
Defining Moments:
WW1 & 2
Great Depression
GI Bill
New Deal
Never elected a
president from their
ranks
Bracero program
Japanese camps
Baby Boomers
Born between 1946 – 1964 (80 Million) or 1943-1960
Largest generation of their
time/will work longer than
their parents
Idealists/Optimistic
Quest for social justice and
equality reigned
Need to know things
Question authority/broke old
patterns/traditions
Competitive
Profession consistent with
ideals
Activist generation
Defining Moments:
JFK, MLK, Robert Kennedy
The Beatles, the Grateful Dead,
Elvis,
Television
Vietnam
Civil Rights
First man on the moon
Watergate
Black Power
Women’s Rights
Chicano, Asian American,
African American Civil Rights
Movement
Generation X
Born between 1965 – 1981 (46 Million) or 1961-1981
Question authority/Skeptical Defining Moments:
Star Wars (the movie)
Most Misunderstood
Microwaves
Economic uncertainty
AIDS
Broken homes; rise in teen
Cable TV/MTV
pregnancy & drug use
Tiananmen Square, Exxon Valdez,
SF Earthquake
Latch-key and day care kids
President Reagan shot
Self-directed/Resourceful
Personal Computers/Fax Machines
Independent
Drunk Driving Penalties
Greatest diversity
On going Civil Rights Movement
Educated
Title 9
Mistrust of
Institutions/Relationships
Heroes? What heroes?
Millennials, Gen Y, Gen Next,
Echo Gen, Tech Gen
Born between 1982 – 2002 (76 Million)
Creative/Smart generation
High-tech, high-touch
Included in major family
decisions, multi-taskers
Confident, Realistic about
challenges of modern life
Service is key
Personal Safety #1 concern
Collaborative
Appreciates Diversity-- part
of life/workplace
Defining Moments:
Operation Desert Storm
Zero tolerance rules
I-Pods & Video I-Pods
Oklahoma city Bombing
Columbine Shooting
Racism Awareness Workshops
– sky rocket
Increased High School Drop
outs
911
2002 Election
2008 Election
Cuspers
Traditionalist / Baby Boomers – 1940-1945
Boomers / Generation X – 1960-1965
Generation X / Millennial – 1975-1980
Why should we care about four
generations interacting?
People are living and working longer
Four generations, each with distinct values, are working side
by side
Turnover rates are on the rise, with massive retirements
occurring, declining membership
Different values, experiences, work styles, and attitudes are
creating misunderstandings and frustrations
Understanding the generations can give organizations a
competitive edge in recruiting, retaining, managing, and
motivating the best and the brightest
If we want to recruit respective generations, we must address
their values, interests, language, motivators, and styles
Core Traits of Millennials:
Special/Parenting
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Co-purchasing with parents
Highly involved parents coming
Devotion from parents expected in workplace
Special or spoiled
You are special and we expect special things from you
Decline in # reporting values different than parents
Deeper agreement on cultural values
Moving back home has lost its stigma
Core Traits of Millennials:
Sheltered
• Amber Alert generation
• Expect adult protection, authoritative security and rule
enforcement
• Comfortable with zero tolerance
• Take less health risks
• Expect rising attention to sexual harassment
• Want a broader array of protective safeguards
Core Traits of Millennials:
Confident/Entitlement
Believe they can achieve great things
Faith that America’s big problems really can be
solved
Believe they will be financially more successful
than parents.
Confidence or cockiness
Want to be heard
Expect recognition for work well done
Core Traits of Millennials:
Team-Oriented/Collaboration
• Work as a Team Sport
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Look after each other, help the community
Social environment in office important
Use of technology is a group activity
Service-oriented – pursuing nonprofit and government
jobs
Social aspects of job important
Inclusive style
“Friending” on Facebook
New communication styles – 10.6 hours/day
Core Traits of Millennials:
Pressured/Need for Speed
• Stress is a reality
• Connection between today’s behavior and
tomorrow’s payoff
• Pressured environment – fixated on long-term
planning
• Emotional stress
• Multitasking
• Want response immediately
Core Traits of Millennials:
Social Networking
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Gather around the Virtual Water Cooler
The Networked Generation
I feel Naked without my cell phone
Constant contact
Judge me by what I produce, not by what
you assume I am doing at my desk
• Consumer reports to consumer
Core Traits of Millennials:
Achieving/Great Expectations/
Meaning
• Spend to much time focused on grades and
performing
• High expectations for fulfillment and success
• Offended by the idea of having to pay dues
• Expect the moon
• Want to be heard
• Want to know they are succeeding
• Work/life balance
Summary points on Millennials
Parents are deeply involved in all aspects of their child’s
experience.
Have high expectations for on-line services.
Safety and security matter.
Millennial expect to be treated special.
Team-oriented and collaborators.
Need for speed and connection.
Have expectations and seek meaning
Social Networked
References
Howe, N. and Strauss W. (2007). Millennials Go to
College
Howe, N. (2010). Millennials in the workplace
Howe, N. and Strauss W. (2000). Millennials Rising: The
next great generation
Lancaster, L, and Stillman, D. (2002). When generations
collide.
Lancaster, L.C. & Stillman (2010). The M-factor: How the
Millennial Generation is rocking the workplace.
Defining Your Generation
Growing up, what one word describes our
relationship with your parents?
What one work describes your attitude
about employee evaluations?
Are there any gender/cultural/ethnic, class
differences within your generation?
If you participated in athletics, describe
your relationship with the coach?
Applying Our Work to Different
Generations
How do we market/recruit/retain different
generations?
How do we provide customer services?
How do club members learn from different
generations?
How do we coach/supervise/work with our
club members from different generations?