Giants, Rosies, Sisters in the Brotherhoods & Unionistas all rockin' the boat and learning to swim. Understanding our generational differences and building union power together.
Research indicates that people communicate based on their generational backgrounds. Each generation has distinct attitudes, behaviors, expectations, habits and motivational buttons. Learning how to communicate with the different generations can eliminate many major confrontations and misunderstandings in the workplace and in our unions.
This is a listing of recent generations for individuals born in the United States. Dates are approximate, as recognized by demographers.
2000/2001-Present - New Silent Generation or Generation Z
1980-2000 - Millennials or Generation Y
1965-1979 - Generation X
1946-1964 - Baby Boomers
1925-1945 - Silent Generation/Traditional
Listen and watch Karen McCullough who in her own entertaining way describes each generation.
TRADITIONALISTS
Institutions -Are loyal
Rewards- Satisfaction of a job well done
Feedback-No news is good news
Work/Life Balance- Support me in shifting the balance
Training- I learned it the hard way; you can too
Job Changing- Job changing carries a stigma
Retirement- Pension/Savings
BABY BOOMERS
Institutions- Want to put their own stamp on
Rewards- Money, title, recognition, the corner office
Feedback- Formal yearly feedback with lots of documentation
Work/Life Balance- Help me balance everyone else and find meaning myself
Training- Train them too much and they might leave
Job Changing- Job changing puts you behind
Retirement- Retool
GEN X
Institutions- Are skeptical
Rewards- Freedom is the ultimate reward
Feedback- Frequent, honest, immediate feedback
Work/Life Balance- Give me balance now, not when I'm 65
Training- The more they learn, the more they stay
Job Changing- Job changing is necessary
Retirement- Renew
GEN Y
Institutions- Will judge on merit
Rewards- Work that has meaning for "me"
Feedback- Whenever I want it at the push of a button
Work/Life Balance- Work isn't everything; I need flexibility to balance all my activities
Training- Continuous learning is a way of life
Job Changing- Job changing is part of my daily routine
Retirement- Recycle
WHAT WE ALL WANT Achievement- Pride in one's work
Camaraderie- Positive, inclusive, and productive relationships
Equity- Being treated fairly in matters such as pay, benefits, developmental opportunities etc...
Next week we will take a deeper look into the lives of Traditionalists.
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