1 / 25

Communication Across Generations

Communication Across Generations. Grand Lodge Membership Committee R.W. Kenneth W. Sprague Jr, Chairman Masonic Ambassador Program Wor. Scott T. Jareo, Chairman. Applying Generation Theory to the future of Freemasonry. Theory ?. Goals of this module.

micol
Download Presentation

Communication Across Generations

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Communication Across Generations Grand Lodge Membership Committee R.W. Kenneth W. Sprague Jr, Chairman Masonic Ambassador Program Wor. Scott T. Jareo, Chairman

  2. Applying Generation Theory to the future of Freemasonry

  3. Theory ?

  4. Goals of this module • To gain a better understanding of our potential new members • How to REACH them • How to RECRUIT them • How to RETAIN them • How to show them the “value of belonging” to Masonry

  5. A Generational Who’s Who Who’s out there? • The GI Generation • The Silent Generation • Baby Boomers • Generation X • Generation Y/Millennials

  6. What’s the matter with kids today?

  7. GI Generation (before 1925)

  8. Silent Generation (1925-1944)

  9. Silent Generation (1925-1944) Strong traditional views of religion, family, and country Key attributes Respect for authority Loyalty, hard work, and dedication True joiners – many joined Masonry Like written word / formal format (+ few pictures) Came through ranks (= paid their “volunteer dues”) to ultimately take leadership -- ADAPTIVE

  10. Baby Boomers (1945-1964)

  11. Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Did not experience same difficulties as their parents Were influenced by the Civil Rights movement, Women's Liberation, the space program, the Cold War, & Vietnam They are known to place a high value on: Youth and health Personal gratification and material wealth Optimistic by nature – they believe their generation changed the world -- IDEALIST

  12. Generation X (1965-1984)

  13. Generation X (1965-1984) Called the “misunderstood” generation Often thought to be lazy, selfish and “don't want to get involved” In reality, they need personally relevant value – the answer to “What’s in it for me?” They also want active participation in problem solving Tend to be nontraditional, interested in new concepts and products; have global mindset Key motivator is an enjoyable experience -- REACTIVE

  14. Gen Y/ Millennials (1985-2004)

  15. Gen Y/Millennials (1985-2004) Have no recollection of the Reagan era, don’t remember Cold War, and have known only one Germany Their world has always had AIDS, answering machines, microwave ovens, and videocassette recorders Includes more than 81m people, approx 30% of the population - greater than the Baby Boomers They will join us … but they need to be listened to.They demand input! Based on gen cycle theory, they are expected to be CIVIC minded

  16. Gen Z (2005-present)

  17. What arethe implications for Freemasonry? - and for how we represent Freemasonry to these men?

  18. Whatcan we do? • Change focus from “us” to “them”. Be inclusive. • Understand that Membership is the only reason for our existence • Focus on important things, not ancillary things • Give them what they want. WIIFM?

  19. Communication Tips • Silent Generation • Build trust • Interact face-to-face or in writing • Baby Boomers • Speak in an open direct style • Answer questions directly. Expect to be pressed for details

  20. For both generations: Get back to them quickly on any question or decision. A snail mail doesn’t cut it! • Generation X • Learn their language and speak it • Use e-mail as your primary communication tool • Talk in short sound bytes to keep their attention • Share info with them immediately and often • Generation Y • Let your language paint visual pictures • Use e-mail and voicemail as primary communication tools • Constantly seek their feedback

  21. Bridging the Gap What challenges & opportunities do these differences bring?

  22. Bridging the Gap What challenges & opportunities do these differences bring? New ways of doing business e.g. Have younger members chair committees that are often reserved for the ‘senior members’ Use of ad-hoc committees to accomplish specific objectives with short time commitment. Set up new ways of communicating – Google Groups or better “The new meeting” High tech gadgets on site (e.g. PowerPoint presentations using LCD projectors) CDs or other e-media to take back with them Something to offer those who can’t attend

  23. New Member steps to bonding • Listen to the new member • No man stands alone • Make it personal • Concentrate on the right things

  24. Understanding the difference • Forty years ago Top Down Management was the norm in US society • Today Servant-Based Leadership is expected and respected

  25. Understanding the Differences makes the difference!

More Related