Power of Four: Intergenerational Communication for Work and Life

Presented By

Cameron Kruger

Overview

1.) Examine the traits of each generation.

2.) Assess our attitudes about other age groups.

3.) Discuss intergenerational communication.

4.) Leave with personal goals.Brainstorm

What do you think peopleassume about your work style based on your age?

Ground Rules

A. Always Negative

B. Generalizations

C. Usually Accurate

D. Not Objectionable

Stereotypes

Ground Rules

A. Are Good And Should Be Used

B. Still Contain Inaccuracies

C. Help Us Be Understood

Positive Stereotypes

Ground Rules

A. When Stereotype Becomes Fact

B. Guidelines For Behavior

C. Knowing How You Will Turn Out

Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Ground Rules

- Generic and Median

- Start the Conversation.

- Unique and Important.

Assumption is not a positive communication tool.

Slang

When you were in High School, what did you call…

hanging out and chatting?

Shoot the BreezeHang LooseChill OutMarinate

Adapted from alphadictionary.com

Slang

When you were in High School, what did you call…

alone time with that special someone?

Cuddle or SpoonNeck or Make-outHooch up or MugMaul or MashSnogging

Adapted from alphadictionary.com

Slang

When you were in High School, what did you call…

lose control or go crazy?

Flip Your WigGo BallisticWig OutJump the Couch

Adapted from alphadictionary.com

Slang

Why is Slang important?

- Sets us apart

- Code of the Club

- Retaining Values

Adapted from alphadictionary.com

Proverbs

Small Group Activity

- What do the proverbs say about the generation?

- How do the proverbs reflect your experiences?

- Is there truth to the proverbs?

Timeline

GENERATION TIMELINE 1922-1945 1946-1964 1965-1980 1981-2000

Veterans, Traditionalists

Baby Boomers

Generation X, The Slackers

Generation Y, Millennials

How do you the define generations?

Depends on who you ask.

Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University

The Four

TraditionalistsBasics:- Born from 1922 – 1945

- Ages 65 to 88 today

- Great Depression and WW II

The Four

TraditionalistsValues:

- Conformity, authority and rules

- Defined sense of right and wrong

- Loyalty and respect for authority

The Four

TraditionalistsAttributes:- Disciplined

- Dislike conflict

- Detail oriented

The Four

TraditionalistsWork Styles:

- Consistency and uniformity - Command-and-control leadership- Hierarchical structure

“These are the rules.”

The Four

Baby BoomersBasics:- Born from 1946 - 1964

- Ages 44 to 62 today

- Defined by Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Movement, and the Vietnam War

The Four

Values:

- Prosperity - Ownership - Self-actualizing

Baby Boomers

The Four

Attributes:

- Goal-oriented - Individual choice and freedom - Positive attitude

Baby Boomers

The Four

Work Styles:

- Coined “team-building” - Collaborative, group decisions- Live to Work, until Retirement

Baby Boomers

“Let’s talk about the rules.”

The Four

Generation X

Basics:- Born from 1965 - 1980

- Ages 28 to 43 today

- Defined by Latchkey, Political Mistrust (Watergate, Iran-Contra), 80’s Recession

The Four

Generation X

Values:

- Contribution - Feedback and recognition - Autonomy

The Four

Generation X

Attributes:

- Adaptability - Independence- Creative thinking

The Four

Generation X

Work Styles:

- Work to live not live to work - Flexibility in work, life- Authority, not titles

“Break all of the rules.”

The Four

Generation Y

Basics:- Born from 1981 - 1994

- Ages 14 to 27 today

- Defined by 9/11, Columbine, Iraq War, Information Age

The Four

Generation Y

Values:

- Self-expression, not self-control - Self-marketing- Respect must be earned

The Four

Generation Y

Attributes:

- Adapt rapidly, Create constantly - Committed and loyal- Diversity

The Four

Generation Y

Work Styles:

- Effect Change- Exceptional multi-taskers - Flexibility

“Redefine the rules.”

The Four

Work Ethic and Values Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y

Hard work

Respect authority

Sacrifice

Duty before fun

Adhere to rules

Workaholics

Work efficiently

Crusading causes

Personal fulfillment

Desire quality

Eliminate the task

Self-reliance

Want structure and direction

Skeptical

What’s next

Multitasking

Tenacity

Entrepreneurial

Tolerant

Goal oriented

Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University

The Four

Work is… Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y

An obligation An exciting adventure

A challenge A means to an end

Leadership Style Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y

Directive Consensus Challenge Others

Collaborative

Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University

The Four

Communications Style Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y

Formal

Memo

In person

Meetings

Direct

Immediate

Email

Voicemail

Messages That Motivate Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y

Your experience is respected.

You are valued and needed.

You can do it your own way.

You will work with bright people.

Adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University

In the Box

Communication

- Making assumptions or stereotyping.

- Not communicating on same “channel”.

- Using jargon or slang in communications.

- Talking “over” or being condescending.

In the Box

Employee Loyalty

- Not acknowledging individual motivation.

- Providing no recognition or the wrong kind.

- Mission/direction does not reflect values

- A fact of a new generation.

In the Box

Work Relationships

- Environment does not assist relationship building.

- Meetings do not acknowledge diverse learning/work styles.

- Managers are inaccessible.

- An overactive rumor mill exists.

In the Box

Efficiency/Production- The right tools for the wrong people, the wrong tools for the right people.

- Work environment distraction.

- No positive feedback or coaching; recognition not timely.

- Personality barriers with working team.

Truths

Fit the generations together with…

Cameron’s Positive

Universal Truths

Truths

Positive Universals

Find out what motivates them.

Truths

Positive Universals

Learn their favored work style.

Truths

Positive Universals

Recognize them the way they want.

Truths

Positive Universals

Diversify your work teams

ContactCameron Kruger(218) 213-4500

cckruger@gmail.com

www.horizonnps.com

Consulting in…• Technology• Service-Learning• Youth Leadership• Program Management

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