From 18 to 80:Thriving in the Multi-Generational Workplace

1. From 18 to 80:Thriving in the Multi-Generational Workplace David Remson Triangle Consulting daremson@msn.com

2. Goals: • Understand the historical perspective of each generation. • Understand the values and workstyle preferences of each generation. • Identify strategies for more effective work relationships.

3. The Four Generations at Work • WWII (Silents) 1928-1946 • Baby Boomers 1946-1964 • Generation X 1964-1982 • Millennials 1982-2000

4. When working with Millennials: Nurture them. Be open and friendly. Make it fast and fun. Give them opportunities for collaboration. If you are a Millennial: Strive for independence. Look for a mentor. Listen more, talk less. Learn to deal with conflict. Millennial Communication Strategies:

5. When working with Xer’s: Use technology. Get to the point. Be sincere. Problem solving orientation. Training. If you are an Xer: Engage with your team. Ask for what you need. Be patient with the process. Lighten up! Gen X Communication Strategies:

6. When working with Boomers: Friendly and welcoming. Inclusive. Give opportunities for feedback. Provide Acknowledgement. If you are a Boomer: Walk your talk. Don’t take it personally. Be sincere. A little less process… Boomer Communication Strategies:

7. When working with Veterans: Face to Face. Formal/chain of command. Linear/task oriented. Utilize the history they hold. If you are a Veteran: Share your history. Be a mentor. Stretch your “adaptor” muscles. Veteran’s Communication Strategies:

8. Generational Trivia Contest! • Born between 1960 and 1980, this generation faced recession and employee layoffs as they began entering the workforce. • This generation remains eternally optimistic and has made turning 50 fashionable. • This generation was raised to believe in sacrifice and service to the community. • This generation was born with computer technology in their genes. • Sally Field shouted, “you like me, you really like me” upon winning an academy award reflecting the desire of which generation? • “Just the facts, jack” reflects the preferred communication style of which generation? • “Whose in charge?” reflects the preferred work environment of which generation? • Two words, fast and fun, describes which generation? • “We want you to have a life” is a message that is essential to which generation? • “Tell me how you feel about this decision” is a message that works particularly well for which generation?

9. Generational Trivia Contest! • 11. Let’s review who will work on which tasks” is a message this generation can relate to. • 12.. “Please come to me whenever you need to” is a message this generation will appreciate. • 13. They secretly hope for a Beatles reunion. • 14. They wish someone would tell the previous generation that two of the Beatles are dead. • Identify an icon for each generation: • Veterans (WWII): ____________________________ • Baby Boomers: ____________________________ • Gen Xers: ____________________________ • Millennials: ____________________________

10. TriangleConsulting David Remson daremson@msn.com 303-564-6628 “It’s not about them. It’s about you”