Have you been wondering why some of your team members seem more motivated than others? Do some work with a sense of accomplishment and excited about their career while others seems to be just following the procedures? We have found an article by Manny Rodrguez, MS, bSci21 Contributing Writer that describes the differences in generations and their approach to work values, leadership styles, communication and job satisfaction. The differences within generations may be an indicator to changes needed in your management styles. Please take a few moments to review the chart below that highlights the differences within age groups and the article which also outlines some techniques for managing generational differences.
Article Link: http://www.bsci21.org/five-strategies-for-managing-generational-differences/
| Silent | Baby Boomers | Generation X | Millennial | |
| Born 1925-1945 | Born 1946 – 1964 | Born 1965 – 1981 | 1982 – 2000 | |
| Work Ethic and Values | Hark work, respect authority, sacrifice, duty before fun, adhere to rules | Workaholics, work efficiently, crusading causes, personal fulfillment, desire quality, questions authority | Eliminate the task, self-reliance, want structures and direction, skeptical | What’s next, multi-tasking, tenacity, entrepreneurial, tolerant, goal oriented |
| Work is… | An obligation | An exciting adventure | A difficult challenge, a contract | A means to an end, fulfillment |
| Leadership Style.. | Directive, Command-and-control | Consensual, collegial | Everyone is the same, challenge others, ask why | TBD |
| Interactive Style | Individual | Team player, Loves to have meetings | Entrepreneur | Participative |
| Major Events | Great Depression, Attack on Pearl Harbor, World War II, radio and the telephone | Civil rights, Vietnam, Cold War, space travel, credit cards, and television | Challenger Disaster, Desert Storm, personal computers, MTV, divorce rates and energy crisis | 9/11, school shootings, Boston Marathon, internet, social networking, Enron, Iraq and Afghanistan |
| Culture Icons | FDR, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mouse, Flash Gordon, Jukeboxes, Kewpie dolls | Ed Sullivan, poodle skirts, slinkies, TV dinners, peace sign | ET, Cabbage Patch dolls, The Brady Bunch, The Simpsons | Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, Reality TV, Hurricane Katrina |
| Communications | Formal memo | In person | Direct and immediate | Email, voicemail |
| Feedback and Rewards | No news is good news, satisfaction = job well done | Don’t appreciate it, money and title recognition | “How am I doing”, freedom is the best reward | Whenever I want it, at the push of a button, meaningful work |