Balancing Creativity & Constraint in Today’s Multigenerational Workplace

1. Balancing Creativity & Constraint in Today’s Multigenerational Workplace Anthony Larios Anthony.larios700@myci.csuci.edu 4/21/2014

2. Introduction • Language only exists when we speak or write it • Rules or “social order” may only be in our heads… • People react strongly against others who disregard rules and conventions • “Structure is produced and reproduced in what people do” – Anthony Giddens

3. Organizational Communication Perspectives • Communication as a Balance of Creativity & Constraint • Working out the tension between individual creativity and organizational constraint in moment-to-moment actions • To be effective  there must be a balance of satisfied individuals and a cohesive community.

4. What Balance Looks Like

5. How To Create Balance As A Manager • Make room for creative dialogue • Don’t drive your best thinkers out of the organization • Shift from “Don’t” to “How” • “we DON’T have the money” VS. “HOW can we get the money” • Look for multiple options • “Idea’s are free until you act on them” • Find opportunity in your constraints

6. What Today’s Workplace Looks Like • 1930 – 1945: The Matures – Less than 10% • Youngest Member of this generation = 64 • 1946 – 1964: Baby Boomers – 44% of workforce • 73 million. Dominant generation • 1965 – 1980: Generation X – 29% of workforce • 46 million. • 1981 – 2000ish: Millennials - 15% of workforce • 80 million.

7. Characteristics Of Each Gen.

8. Characteristics Of Each Gen.

9. Working In Inter-Generational Organizations • “Structure is produced and reproduced in what people do” • Multiple generations = multiple values and expectations • When attempting to integrate creativity be mindful of employee/ management generational values • Disagreements tend to lead to placing blame on age • Stereotypes created = intergenerational conflicts • Communication • Awareness • Resolving Conflict • Problem Solving

10. Reference Blandino, Stephen. "Communication, Creativity, and Constraint." Stephen Blandino. N.p., 6 Apr. 2011. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. <http://stephenblandino.com/2011/04/communication- creativity-constraint.html>. "Chief Information Officer." Opportunities and Challenges of a Multi-Generation. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. <http://dodcio.defense.gov/Home/Initiatives/NetGenerat ionGuide/OpportunitiesandChallengesofaMultiGenerati on.aspx Eisenberg, Eric M., and H. Lloyd Goodall. Organizational communication: balancing creativity and constraint. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2009. Print. Gauntlett, David (2002), Media, Gender and Identity: An Introduction, Routledge, London and New York.

11. Two Multiple Choice Questions • Which one of the following actions can help lead to a more balanced organization? • Allowing for creative dialogue • Shifting from “Don’t” to “How” • Looking for multiple options • All of the above • Which one of the following generations makes up the largest percent of todays workforce? • Generation X • The Matures • Baby Boomers • The Millennials