Part of the Certified Public Manager program involves the completion of a personal development project. My selected project is to prepare a series of lectures to my fellow managers about basic managerial concepts. These series of posts are intended to document my progress in that endeavor. This report pertains to a presentation made on 3/31/14.
Generational Differences in the Workplace. Continuing the series of management discussions at the weekly staff meeting, I presented a discussion on the differences between the generations in the workforce.
The generations are typically classified as Traditional (born in '22-'45), Boomers ('44-'62), Gen X ('65-'80), and Gen Y ('81-00). Interestingly, I had a member of the first three generations in the room and one person who readily put his son in the Gen Y category.
The group identified with many of the general traits of the various generations. I was very pleased to have the conversation culminate in a statement to the effect that we all need to realize there are different styles at work and that we need to appreciate differences.
As for a presentation, I struggled the most with this topic so far. The concept was more complex than anything I had presented before. I wanted to keep the presentation brief and concise and that proved challenging. Given that it is four concepts to explain, then explain how those concepts play out in the work force, and then to compare the concepts. In all it was a bit of a challenge.
As for a presentation, I struggled the most with this topic so far. The concept was more complex than anything I had presented before. I wanted to keep the presentation brief and concise and that proved challenging. Given that it is four concepts to explain, then explain how those concepts play out in the work force, and then to compare the concepts. In all it was a bit of a challenge.
Jason, I agree the study of generational differences in the workplace is challenging and complex. I have had the opportunity to employ and work with people across the generations throughout my career. One team I worked with ranged from 16 years to 65+. Besides the differences in dress, music, personal behavior and how information is consumed, I found that there were more similarities. Most were team oriented, wanted to participate in decisions or be asked for their opinions and wanted their leader/manager to value differences and be compassionate. You have great generational diversity on your team that are supporting you in your work based on their culminating statement of appreciating differences. Lisa
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