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Cross Wise Communications On Multi Generational Communication

G
gacross

This document discusses communicating effectively in a multi-generational workplace. It focuses on the Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946-1964. Baby Boomers value face-to-face communication and networking. They want context and want to feel respected and important. To communicate effectively with Baby Boomers, focus on goals, respect their ideas, and recognize their hard work publicly. Managing a multi-generational workforce requires understanding different perspectives, finding common ground, and creating flexible work policies that appeal to all generations.

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Communicating in a Multi- Generational Workplace An Excerpt January 2009
Old farts and upstarts I remember when When do I get that promotion? What do you mean you want me to wear a suit? Youre right, but Im the boss. I DO know how to do it best: Ive done it a million times. I dont DO weekends! Im not having fun here so Im moving on. Would you look at me when Im talking to you? Ill need more vacation than that to work here! But, I AM special! I worked so hard to get here and now I dont get any respect. Id really like to teach you I just cant work with these people!
Why do we care in the workplace? What happens when generations fail to communicate effectively? Turnover rates may increase Intangible HR costs may increase Morale may suffer Grievances and complaints may increase Perceptions of fairness and equity may suffer
If we focus on differences Inflexibility Intolerance Disrespect Hostility
Where we see the differences What people talk about at the coffee maker The language they use What tasks they prefer to work on How they prefer to work How they respond to authority figures/rules How long they stay on the job before moving on
Four generations IABC In Born Canada workforce Western popn in Canada 2007 2006 1% Veterans 22 45 17% < 3% 22% Baby 46 64 30% < 40% Boomers 56% Gen X 65 80 21% > 35% 7% Millennials 81 00 26% 15 20%
Boomers Born 1946 1964
Boomers their influences The 60s Vietnam war Womens lib Optimistic times in childhood Trudeau era/multiculturalism Television the dominant media Rounds of layoffs changed jobs/careers Competition First real sandwich generation
Boomers cultural influences Fashion faux pas Hot pants by a landslide! Bell bottoms and elephant pants We were watching Happy Days Bonanza
Boomers cultural influences First toy excited about Bicycle Barbie Our music House of the Rising Sun, Animals Satisfaction, Rolling Stones
Boomers characterized as Driven, focused and hard working Group oriented family and friends Consensus seekers Optimistic Borrow conservatively Save some, have some now
Boomers characterized as Open to diversity Sacrifice for success Idealism, vision, personal growth, soul searching
Boomers Lucky us Womens lib/the pill Life was simpler No depression/relative plenty Not so much stress re global warming, terrorism, oil prices...
Boomers Life was tough We didnt have it hard! Nothing was handed to us Not so many conveniences like cell phones, dishwashers, microwaves
Andon the job?
Current workforce issues Aging workforce, many ready to retire early Fertility rates less than replacement Population growth largely through immigration Workers no longer prepared to give it all 24/7 New level of uncertainty in the workplace Sohugely increased demand with corresponding decreased supply
Boomers on the job Approaching retirement? Collegial leaders and team players Networking/politically savvy Casual office wear and flexible schedules Average stay 15 years!
Boomers on the job Good at relationships/uncomfortable with conflict Judgemental of those who see differently Sometimes value process over results Delegation-shy Knowledge is power
Boomers on the job Want to add value to the organizationbut in a way that secures their position! Want learning & development and challenge (+ advancement opportunities for the Late Boomers)
The basics we all want Respect The ability to self-manage work-life balance Interesting work Good salary and benefits Learning and growth Recognition To be listened to To feel important
Communication How best to communicate with each generation? What messages resonate for them? What turns them off about others communication?
Boomers how best to communicate? Value face-to-face Respectful but casual Take time to establish rapport Networking! Want context Give me everything May have some challenges with technology
Boomers messages that resonate Tie your messages to goals, mission and development opportunities Be anything you want Work well with others Live up to expectations You are important to our success Youre valued hereI approve of you Change the world
Boomers turn offs Unfriendliness One-upmanship Shows of power Political incorrectness
Modifications Boomers Embrace technology think social media, blogs, wikis etc. Respect the ideas that younger generations bring to the workforce Dont assume you are in the teacher role Focus on results as well as process Share not send messages Respect work/life balance needs
HR implications Get em recruitment and orientation Keep em total rewards and the employee brand Grow em Career development, performance management, mentoring etc.
Boomers get em Quality of life issues Wellness programs Sabbaticals http://youtube.com/watch?v=lAD_yF4SPe0&feature=related Alternative work arrangements Opportunities for profile Career growth opportunities How they fit inwho to network with
Boomers keep em Money and title High profile projects Recognize in front of peers and have a party! Recognize hard work and how that benefits the team
Boomers grow em Meaningful career growth/change Learning leading to promotion/profile as expert Mentoring maximizes skills in dialogue, as a mentee look to prominent (a name!) mentors
Boomers grow em Performance feedback: Familiar with subjectivity/ relationship-based Focus on achievements Positive tone with development opportunities Formal bi-annual Confidential
So what? Be aware/learn about generations Consider this diversity a strength, not a liability Find ways to share understanding within/among your team Set an example of understanding and respect Experiment, have some fun! Build flexible and creative workplaces and policies so that all generations can find themselves a spot in your organization.
Overall All generations have rebelled/disliked the previous generation Rememberits not a box that you can sort people into! People are enormously resilient! We all want similar things
Thank you!

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Cross Wise Communications On Multi Generational Communication

  • 1. Communicating in a Multi- Generational Workplace An Excerpt January 2009
  • 2. Old farts and upstarts I remember when When do I get that promotion? What do you mean you want me to wear a suit? Youre right, but Im the boss. I DO know how to do it best: Ive done it a million times. I dont DO weekends! Im not having fun here so Im moving on. Would you look at me when Im talking to you? Ill need more vacation than that to work here! But, I AM special! I worked so hard to get here and now I dont get any respect. Id really like to teach you I just cant work with these people!
  • 3. Why do we care in the workplace? What happens when generations fail to communicate effectively? Turnover rates may increase Intangible HR costs may increase Morale may suffer Grievances and complaints may increase Perceptions of fairness and equity may suffer
  • 4. If we focus on differences Inflexibility Intolerance Disrespect Hostility
  • 5. Where we see the differences What people talk about at the coffee maker The language they use What tasks they prefer to work on How they prefer to work How they respond to authority figures/rules How long they stay on the job before moving on
  • 6. Four generations IABC In Born Canada workforce Western popn in Canada 2007 2006 1% Veterans 22 45 17% < 3% 22% Baby 46 64 30% < 40% Boomers 56% Gen X 65 80 21% > 35% 7% Millennials 81 00 26% 15 20%
  • 8. Boomers their influences The 60s Vietnam war Womens lib Optimistic times in childhood Trudeau era/multiculturalism Television the dominant media Rounds of layoffs changed jobs/careers Competition First real sandwich generation
  • 9. Boomers cultural influences Fashion faux pas Hot pants by a landslide! Bell bottoms and elephant pants We were watching Happy Days Bonanza
  • 10. Boomers cultural influences First toy excited about Bicycle Barbie Our music House of the Rising Sun, Animals Satisfaction, Rolling Stones
  • 11. Boomers characterized as Driven, focused and hard working Group oriented family and friends Consensus seekers Optimistic Borrow conservatively Save some, have some now
  • 12. Boomers characterized as Open to diversity Sacrifice for success Idealism, vision, personal growth, soul searching
  • 13. Boomers Lucky us Womens lib/the pill Life was simpler No depression/relative plenty Not so much stress re global warming, terrorism, oil prices...
  • 14. Boomers Life was tough We didnt have it hard! Nothing was handed to us Not so many conveniences like cell phones, dishwashers, microwaves
  • 16. Current workforce issues Aging workforce, many ready to retire early Fertility rates less than replacement Population growth largely through immigration Workers no longer prepared to give it all 24/7 New level of uncertainty in the workplace Sohugely increased demand with corresponding decreased supply
  • 17. Boomers on the job Approaching retirement? Collegial leaders and team players Networking/politically savvy Casual office wear and flexible schedules Average stay 15 years!
  • 18. Boomers on the job Good at relationships/uncomfortable with conflict Judgemental of those who see differently Sometimes value process over results Delegation-shy Knowledge is power
  • 19. Boomers on the job Want to add value to the organizationbut in a way that secures their position! Want learning & development and challenge (+ advancement opportunities for the Late Boomers)
  • 20. The basics we all want Respect The ability to self-manage work-life balance Interesting work Good salary and benefits Learning and growth Recognition To be listened to To feel important
  • 21. Communication How best to communicate with each generation? What messages resonate for them? What turns them off about others communication?
  • 22. Boomers how best to communicate? Value face-to-face Respectful but casual Take time to establish rapport Networking! Want context Give me everything May have some challenges with technology
  • 23. Boomers messages that resonate Tie your messages to goals, mission and development opportunities Be anything you want Work well with others Live up to expectations You are important to our success Youre valued hereI approve of you Change the world
  • 24. Boomers turn offs Unfriendliness One-upmanship Shows of power Political incorrectness
  • 25. Modifications Boomers Embrace technology think social media, blogs, wikis etc. Respect the ideas that younger generations bring to the workforce Dont assume you are in the teacher role Focus on results as well as process Share not send messages Respect work/life balance needs
  • 26. HR implications Get em recruitment and orientation Keep em total rewards and the employee brand Grow em Career development, performance management, mentoring etc.
  • 27. Boomers get em Quality of life issues Wellness programs Sabbaticals http://youtube.com/watch?v=lAD_yF4SPe0&feature=related Alternative work arrangements Opportunities for profile Career growth opportunities How they fit inwho to network with
  • 28. Boomers keep em Money and title High profile projects Recognize in front of peers and have a party! Recognize hard work and how that benefits the team
  • 29. Boomers grow em Meaningful career growth/change Learning leading to promotion/profile as expert Mentoring maximizes skills in dialogue, as a mentee look to prominent (a name!) mentors
  • 30. Boomers grow em Performance feedback: Familiar with subjectivity/ relationship-based Focus on achievements Positive tone with development opportunities Formal bi-annual Confidential
  • 31. So what? Be aware/learn about generations Consider this diversity a strength, not a liability Find ways to share understanding within/among your team Set an example of understanding and respect Experiment, have some fun! Build flexible and creative workplaces and policies so that all generations can find themselves a spot in your organization.
  • 32. Overall All generations have rebelled/disliked the previous generation Rememberits not a box that you can sort people into! People are enormously resilient! We all want similar things