Events:
Past Event Summaries

March Meeting Summary:
Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace
by Jamie Nunnelly

At the IABC Triangle March meeting, Ron Hess, president of Motiv8 Communications of Port Orange, Fla., both entertained and informed attendees as he addressed the real workplace challenges we face with regard to generational cultures. Hess spoke to a full room during this lunchtime meeting.

He remarked that people are living stressful lives which can increase the likelihood of miscommunication between generations as well as increasing the irritation of these types of interactions.

Hess asked the group to name key events, technology innovations and aspects of culture for each decade from the 60s through the 90s. After creating these lists of the group's recollections, Hess explained that the events occurring during each decade helped to define that generation: Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980) and Generation Y (1981-1999).

Boomers were raised in the flower power culture, watched "Andy Griffith" and "Leave it to Beaver" on television, and were thrilled when touch-tone phones came out. Nixon, Vietnam, disco music, "Mary Tyler Moore," "All in the Family" and "MASH" influenced Gen Xers. The first PCs and some of the early video games were popular during the influential years for the X Generation. The Y Generation experienced increased terrorism, terrorism on our own soil, the Clinton presidency, skyrocketing stocks and the internet during their early years.

As a result of these influences, the Baby Boomers are more optimistic, want to work hard and are not as tech savvy as the other generations in the workplace. The Gen Xers are more skeptical, fun and informal. Growing up latch key kids, they believe in a balance of work life and home life. The Gen Yers are more realists. They question things, are informal and confident, and believe in a balance of work and home life.

Work is viewed as an exciting activity by Baby Boomers, Gen Xers think it can be a difficult challenge, and Gen Yers look at work as a means to an end. Baby Boomers love meetings and want to be team players, while Gen Xers think meetings are tolerable as long as they are short. Gen Yers hate meetings but love participation. They prefer virtual meetings over the internet.

Hess advised communicators to honor Baby Boomers' experience, challenge them to team up to solve problems, involve them in organizational direction and thank them for their contributions. "Tell them they are valued and needed," he said. Generation X needs stimulating assignments, nurturing and mentoring, and career development. "The workplace needs to honor their need for family/work balance," he said. Generation Y needs to have meaningful work with other bright people and frequent feedback. "You should provide them structure with timelines and guidelines," Hess advised. "Offer them mentoring and career development opportunities. Treat them with respect and thank them for their contributions."

Jamie Nunnelly is president of Wilder Ridge Communications. You can reach her by email at Jamienunnelly@bellsouth.net.