Generation gaps in the staffroomJohan Kruger

15 March 2019

Generation gap – GAP ! If you do not manage it correctly.

Balance – You will find it opens up infinite possibilities!

Opportunistic

ExperienceMentor

HardworkingYouthfulnessTech Savvy

Baby boomers Generation X Millennials BORN 1946 - 1964 BORN 1967 - 1980 BORN 1981 - 1995

Generation gaps – In the staffroom

“Baby boomers” supervised position – Generation XMillennials

MANAGER - NEEDS / WANTS / THINKING

“Generation X” and “Millennial - Wealth of human capital forthe schools in which they work

(Bartz, 2017)

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Perceptual differences between Baby Boomers, Generation X & Millennials

Baby Boomers Generation X & Millennials1. Loyalty to organisation 1. Loyalty to organisation – Enjoyment

of the job People loyal to them

2. Value recognition – Hard work 2. Enjoy frequent feedback – Qualityof work

3. Cautious – To adapt to change 3. Quick – Adapt to change4. Value – Face to face

communication4. Prefer fast paced communication –

(Social media; Email etc.)5. Work life balance – Tend to

be more focused on work (Harvey & Clark, 2016)

5. Work life balance – Sometimeswork extra hours

Equal value – Social timeMINI-”MBA” 2019

Perceptual differences between Baby Boomers, Generation X & Millennials

Baby Boomers Generation X & Millennials6. Sometimes –

Apprehensive to diversity6. Quick – To accept diversity

(Part of their environment)7. Work place rules- Value policies & procedures

7. Work place rules – Trivial & Unnecessary- Desire flexibility

8. Believe –Continual professional development, advancement in career, being productive

8. Do not always - Spend timeon professional developmentUnless – Pay off in job

satisfaction(Harvey & Clark, 2016)

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Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

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Chance to learn and to improve your leadership skills ……….

Generation X & Millennials - Push the envelope Think outside the box.

Do not – Suppress this form of thinkingCelebrated and encouraged.

1. Don't act like a know-it-all –

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

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2. Develop a mentorship or coaching program. Generations - learn from each other. Baby boomers - have been at this whole "business" thing

for some time now.- Experience that can't be taught.

Millennials - technology has changed everything.Generations could benefit from teaching each other a few things.

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

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3. Get management up to speed on generational differences.

Know what makes your employees - "tick" ...

Important for people in leadership - know exactly what setsthe generations apart.

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

4. Always keep a frame of reference in mind.

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Manager – manage employee arguments

Problem arises - Understand both employees' mindset

Frame of reference – Hear both sides of the story /Audi Alteram Partem

Approaching conflict – Never in an emotional manner(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

5. Don't ignore terminology and slang, embrace it.

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New generations - Collection of terms, phrases, and clichés

Terminology exist - Baby boomers, millennials & Generation X

Pay attention? - If you don't, you're going to find yourself running into confusion.

Learn how someone speaks - interact with them on a daily basis. (Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

6. Maintain a supportive attitude.

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Appreciate your employees and the work they do!

Scenario – Older educator takes a bit longer than the millennial educator to complete a task

Millennial constantly being congratulated – Supper fast & Stellarefforts

Meanwhile – the older educator still completes work on time BUT NO CONGRATULATIONS! (Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

7. Promote collaboration and teamwork.

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Teamwork – Universe of possibilities opens up.

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

8. Don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to management

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Worst mistake – Don’t approach everybody in the same manner

Each generation – work in their own unique way

Tailor your management style – Individual’s personality,skills and needs

Understand your employees – Know what makes them “tick”

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

9. Keep your expectations reasonable

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Every employee – Serve a specific purpose in an organisation

Group - Individual or groups that is the right fit to completea task

Balancing act – Grouping Millennials & Generation X withBaby Boomers

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the Generation Age Gap in the Workplace

10. Tailor tasks and projects to your workers’ individual strengths

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Right fit for tasks – Identify individual or groups Suitability of tasks – Baby boomers

- Generation X- Millennials

Balancing act – Combining the different generations

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the Generational Age Gap in the Workplace

13. Open the floodgates for communication

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Communication – Most important component of good business practice

Clear communication – Ensure no details are lost in the mix

Open communication – Difficult aspect- Different generations

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Tips for Managing the GenerationAge Gap in the Workplace

12. Throw away old routines

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Throwing away old routines – Assist organisation in forwardthinking

Clear communication – Ensure no details are lost in the mix

Open communication – Difficult aspect- Different generations

(Tim Eisenhauer, 2015)

Thank you!

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