Engaging four generations infographic Options With learning Ltd

When working with multigenerational groups, it can be helpful to be aware of the cultural backgrounds, goals, life influencers and behaviours.

This infographic helps to summarise the differences between Traditionalists (the Silent Generation), Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y (Millenials, Echo Boomers, Net Gen, Generation Why, Entitlement Generation)

Our goal is understand the strengths and differences of each generational groups to build successful organisations.

Of course, generalisations about generations are just that. Age defines a demographic, not a person. Ultimately, we need to get to know indviduals, not just make assumptions.

1. TraditionalistsBaby Boomers Generation XGeneration Y
Pay cash Buynow, pay later Save, save, save Earn to spend
A dream A birth right A way to get thereAn incredible expense
Traditional/nuclear Disintegrating Latch-key kids Merged families
Discipline, conformityOptimism,involvementValues
Sceptical,fun,
informality
Realism, confidence,
extreme fun, social
Formal
Business casual
(highend)
Business casual
(lowend)
Whatever feels
comfortable
1922-1943 1944-1964 1965-1977 1978-1995
An obligation An excitingadventure Work is… A difficult challenge A contract
Dedicated Driven Work Ethic Balanced Determined
Ne’erthe twain
shall meet
No balance.
Work to live
Work/Life Balance Balance
Something’s wrong Caution Change Potentialopportunity Improvement
Respectful Love/Hate Authority Unimpressed Equals
My dedication& service
have been rewarded
It’s about time,
I’ve paid my dues
Progression
I’ve delivered the
results, why can’t
I be promoted yet?
What is my next career
move? I’ve been here 12
monthsand haven’t been
promoted yet.
Carries a stigma.
Stay for life
Puts you behind.
Stayif moving up.
Job
changing
Is necessary.
Follow your heart.
The ultimatemulti taskers
Slow& steady. StabilityLadder. Upward mobilityCareer pathLattice. Plateaus are fineCheckerboard
Prove yourselfwith loyalty.
Pay dues.
Prove yourself with long
hours. Pay dues.
Career pace
I want to knowall my
options now.
May switch
frequently and fast
Formal In person Style Direct
Email,
voicemail
Send me a memo Call me anytime When Call me only at work Leavea message
Individual
Teamplayer
Loves meetings
Interactive
style
Entrepreneur Participative
Greatdepression Suburbia SesameStreet Naturaldisasters
Roaring20s Feminism Divorce Diversity
WWI & WWII CivilRights movement Computer games Violence& Gangs
Korean War Drugs, sex & rock’n’roll Boom & bust Coddledby Parents
generations
For the first time in history we
have four generations working
together
Each generation has distinct attitudes, behaviours, expectations,
habits and motivational buttons.
Remember that generalizations about generations are just that.
Age defines a demographic, not a person.!
Role
Models
It is my duty to build a
legacy for following
generations
By being involved,
we will shape society
for the better
Attitude
Not sure why
I should bother
to get involved.
I want to get involved
because I have great
ideas for how we can
improve the situation
Create yourlegacy.
Mentor younger
volunteers
Raise your profile.
Impact strategy &
direction
Recruit
Gaintransferrable
skills. Achievements
Use creativity
& provide input
Your experience
isrespected
You are valued
Youare needed
Motivate
Do it your way
Forget the rules
You’ll workwith other
bright, creative people
Notnecessary
Does not handle
negative feedback well
Mentoring
Not necessary to
receive feedback
Constant feedback
needed
If no one is
yelling, good
Once a year,
documented
Performance
Reviews
Sorry to interrupt,
how am I doing?
What do you mean
I’m notoutstanding?
Essentials Money
Give me
more…
Time Affirmation
Traditionalclassroom.
Coaching
Classroom
extended through
critical reflection
Learning
style
Self-Directedor Self-
paced. E-learning.
Structured lectures
Informal, incidental
learning. Sort
attention span.
Recognise
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Sources
1.Generating Effective Teamwork Across the Generations. Hall, T. Duke University
2.Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees Hammil, G. FDUMagazine (2005)
3.Gen Y and Baby Boomers are not so Dissimilar. Shaikh, P. (2009)
4.Gen Y, Gen X and The Baby Boomers: Workplace Generation Wars. Gelston, S. (2008)
5.When Generations Collide. Lancaster, L.C. andStillman, D. (2002)
6.Motivating the “What’s in it For Me?” Generation Workforce.Marston, C. (2007)
7.The Fourth Turning: An American Philosophy. Strauss, W. and Howe, N. (1997).
8.Appreciating a Multigenerational Workforce. Michael C Fina/Sarah White Associates
9.Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nextersin Your Workplace. Zemke, Raines, and Filipezak(2000)