Gen Why?

Defining Events

•Great Depression

•WW II

•Age of Radio

•Silver Screen

Traditionalists: 64 – 87 years old

Attitude/Values

•Loyal

•Respect for Authority

•Dedication

•Sacrifice & Honour

Skill Sets

•Compliant

•Stable

•Hard working

•Detail oriented

Defining Events

•Civil Rights

•Cuban Missile Crisis

•Vietnam War

•JFK

•Woodstock

•Cold War

•Trudeau era

Baby Boomers: 45 – 63 years old

Attitude/Values

• Involvement

•Team orientation

•Personal growth and gratification

•Youthfulness

•Equality

Skill Sets

•Team players

•Driven to succeed

•Relationship focused

•Eager to add value

Defining Events

•PCs

•AIDS

•Challenger Disaster

•Corporate downsizing

•Berlin Wall

Gen Xers: 29 – 44 years old

Attitude/Values

•Self reliance

• Independence

•Pragmatism

•Skepticism

•Collaboration

Skill Sets

•Flexible and adaptive

•Creative

• Independent

•Multi-tasking

•Results driven

•Techno-literate

Defining Events

• 9/11

• School Violence

• Reality TV

• Digital Tech

• Y2K

• Scandals

Gen Y: 9 – 28 years old

Attitude/Values

• Confidence

• Diversity

• Optimism

• Dedication

• Civic duty

Skill Sets

• Techno-savvy

• Collection action

• Pack mentality

• Innovative

• Accepting of differences

• Self-reliant

• Relationship with the organization

• Relationship with authority

• Relationship with teammates

• Work styles

• Management styles

• Learning styles

Link Between Generational Identities and Workplace Behaviour

Relationship with the Organization

Traditionalist Boomer Gen X Gen Y

Definition Loyal to the organization

Loyal to the team

Loyal to the manager

Loyal to teammates

Behaviours and Expectations

Long term commitment

Career = opportunity

Add value by going extra mile

Career = self worth

Exceed expectations and deliver results

Career = one part of me

Ensure equitable treatment

Career = add value & contribute

Relationship with Authority

Traditionalist Boomer Gen X Gen Y

Definition Respect for authority and hierarchical system

Challenge authority

Loyal to the manager

Loyal to teammates

Behaviours and Expectations

Seniority and job titles are respected

Tell me what I should do for you

Desire flat organ. that are democratic

Let me show you what I can do for you

Competence and skills are respected

Tell me what I can do for you

This generation holds the competency

Show me what you can do for me right now

Work Styles

Traditionalist Boomer Gen X Gen Y

Definition Linear Structured Flexible (work life balance is a must)

Fluid

Behaviours and Expectations

Follow the rules

Change = something is broken

Challenge the rules

Change = caution

Change the rules

Change = opportunity

Create the rules

Change = improvement

1. Respect - Value adders

2. Encourage & Enable

3. Reward Performance

4. Understand differences

Coaching Tips

1. Compensation - not just money - challenge

2. Communication - frequent and on time

3. Benefits - time

Key trends to be aware of:

“You must adjust to a generation of

workers that expect immediate rewards &

recognition, seek responsibilities with

minimal oversight, are naturally skeptical of

authority and want to be treated more like

customers than employees.”

From Builder Magazine

Adjust

or

Die

1. Reinforce

2. Team them up

3. Time-off

4. Tap into their tech skills

5. Don’t take it personally

From Builder Magazine

“Don’t give into them at the expense of

poor performance. Set the vision, values

and goals. And don’t be a push-over.”

• A good leader connects with their team

• A good leader is able to change styles

What Does All This Mean?

1. Respect - Value adders

2. Encourage & Enable

3. Reward Performance

4. Understand differences

Coaching Tips

Thank You