aca. generational leadership paul meyers principal and ceo aviation management consulting group...

ACA

Generational Leadership

Paul MeyersPrincipal and CEO

Aviation Management Consulting Group

Association of California Airports

South Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaSeptember 17, 2015

AviationManagementConsulting GroupACA

ACA

Session Flight Plan

Overview Generational Cultures

Values, beliefs, and worldviews Prevalent Cultures Today

Silents, Baby Boomers, GenXers, and Millennials Cultural Identity

Influenced by key people and events/experiences Generational Characteristics (Generalizations)

Similarities and differences

Generational Leadership Becoming better “generational” leaders

– Leading better across the “generations”

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Generational Culture

What is generational culture?

Generation An identifiable group that shares birth years, ages, and

significant life events/experiences (Kupperschmidt)

Culture Membership in a socially constructed way of living that:

– Incorporates collective values, beliefs, and worldviews

– Establishes norms

– Sets boundaries

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Generational Culture…

Co-constructed (by members) based on:

ValuesAn enduring belief that a specific mode of conduct is personally or socially preferable… (Rokeach)

BeliefsSomething one accepts as real and true, trusts, has confidence in… (Ehrlich, Flexner, Carruth, & Hawkins)

WorldviewHow a person perceives his/her relationship to the world (e.g., other people, things, places, etc.)

–Affects how we think, behave, and make decisions (Sue)

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Four prevalent generational cultures today

Silents, Baby Boomers, GenXers, and Millennials

Each has distinct values, beliefs, and worldviews

–Culture is influenced by:

»Key people

»Key events/experiences (shared by members)

Members also define themselves in comparison to the generations “before” and “after” them

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Four generations today

Tweeners/cuspers – born on either edge (crossover effect) - Arsenault

Silents Baby

BoomersGenXers Millennials

Also known as The Silent Generation, Matures, Veterans

Boomers Generation X, Gen-Xers, Xers, the 13th Generation

Generation Y, Generation Next, Nexters, Echo-Boomers

Born ~1927 to 1945 1946 to 1964 1965 to 1981 1982 to ~2000

Current Age 70 - 88 51 - 69 34 - 50 15 - 33

Number ~ 40M ~ 80M ~ 60M ~ 80M+

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Cultural Identity (Nesbit)

Receive values, beliefs, and worldview from familyParticularly, from parents

–Evaluate, accept, reject, and/or modify to make our own

Respond to the generation “before” usExplain our cultural identify by describing what were “not”

–How we are “not” like the previous generation

Respond to the generation “after” us

Describe our identity as coming from a desire to fix or compensate for what the previous generations had (or had “not”) done

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Question 1

Question 1 (5 minutes – small groups)

Who are the “key people” who have had a

significant impact on the formulation your

values, beliefs, and worldview (and your

“leadership”) and "how" so?

–Home (Family)»Parents, siblings»Grand parents, aunts, uncles, etc.

–Work»Employers, coworkers, employees, etc.

–Other»Friends, teachers, coaches, pastors, etc.

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History and Place in Time (Nesbit)

Each generation has a shared historyInfluences how we see the world, ourselves, and others

Cultural shifts result from our responsesAs the world changes around us, we are forced to decided who we are (in response to the changes)

–Do we reject or accept the changes?–Do we fight for the changes or against the changes?

A generation’s identity is co-constructed through the collective response to shared events/experiences

Formative years (12 to 24 years old)

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Events/Experiences (Boomers)

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Events/Experiences (GenXers)

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Events/Experiences (Millennials)

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Question 2


What “key events/experiences” have had a

significant impact on the shaping of your values,

beliefs, and worldview (and your “leadership”)

and "how" so?

Boomers

GenXers

Millennials

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Generalizations

Distinct generational characteristics can be “inferred” from “anecdotal” literature More “art than science”

Empirical (research based) evidence is limited

Often times, research is…Inconclusive and/or contradictory

Overall, there is lack of consensus (and even, disagreement) among researchers

Similarities and differences

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Generalizations…

Similarities (Nesbit)

All part of the much “broader” American cultureSeveral important topics…

Religion – “a personal and informed choice”Equality and tolerance – “people are people”Identity (culture)

–From a “construction” standpoint, each generation:»Emphasizes its own “strengths”»Makes distinctions based on differences

»Is disappointed and/or discouraged with other generations

All value honesty, competence, and loyaltyAlthough, not necessarily “to” the same things

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Generalizations…

There are broadly-based (general) characteristics that can be used to describe each generation

Differences Life and Family Events/Experiences Characteristics

Boomers

GenXers

Millennials

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Generalizations…


Boomers

GenXers

Millennials

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Generalizations (Boomers)…

Life and Family – Wynn

Period of prosperity and affluenceLoyal to employers

“Live to work”–Get ahead – “climb the corporate ladder”

View retirement as a “right for being loyal”Higher education – began to flourish“Nuclear family” was the norm

Generally, grew up in a two-parent home with one or two siblings and a mom who stayed home

Live to Work

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Life compared to Silents (previous generation)…Period of social and economic difficulty and upheaval

Great DepressionWWII and Korean War

–Knows hardship»Life centered on being frugal (“work to save”)

Loyal to employersConform to society (and organizations)Work well into retirement yearsHigher education – generally limited

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U-2 shot downCuban missile crisisAlan ShepardMarilyn Monroe diedPresident Kennedy assassinatedBritish invasionMartin Luther King assassinatedSenator Kennedy assassinated

Neil Armstrong Woodstock Sesame Street Kent State University Vietnam War Watergate Roe v. Wade President Nixon resigned Hank Aaron

Events – 12 years (1958) to 24 years (1970+)

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CharacteristicsIdealistic, optimistic, and drivenQuestion authorityProtest (with the hope of invoking change)Uniting for a cause (larger than self)

For the sake of the “nation” rather than the “individual”

Moving forward (progressive)Appreciate a team-oriented workplace

Attach to organizations – not individuals–Like to have meetings

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Characteristics…Believe in hard work (strong element of identity)

Origin of the term “workaholic”–Boomers average 55 hours a week

“Earn your own way”“Pay-your-dues” approach

Advancement and leadership in the workplaceTeam playersMonetary rewards are worth more than free timeIncredibly proactive and internally motivated

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Generalizations…


Boomers

GenXers

Millennials

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Generalizations (GenXers)…

Life and Family (Wynn)

Began to question employer loyaltyWitnessed “job losses” as a result of…

–Modernization–Outsourcing–Corporate downsizing and bankruptcies

Willing to change jobs often (to achieve “work-life balance”)

Experienced economic difficultiesBegan to adopt the idea that loyalty was best reserved for self (and began to rely on self)

View the world with cynicismWork-Life Balance

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Life and Family (Wynn)…

Uncertain about being able to retireHigh-debt and low savings

Higher education – expected (almost a given)Birth rates decreased (resulting in a smaller generation)During childhood…

National divorce rates reached an all-time highSingle parent homes became the normMore families consisted of “only-children”

“Latch-key” kids became one of the defining labels of this “lost” generation

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Elvis diedThree Mile IslandIran hostage crisisChrysler bailoutJohn Lennon assassinatedAttempted assassination of President ReaganFirst flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia

Sandra Day O’ConnorIran-Contra affairSpace Shuttle Challenger disasterYellowstone fireExxon Valdez oil spillGulf War

Iraq invaded KuwaitHurricane Andrew


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CharacteristicsIndependent, cynical, and skeptical (unlike Boomers)Self-raised and self-sufficient

Learned to depend on themselvesNon-conforming

Disenchanted with social rulesRejected social normsDemonstrated independence

–Grunge Rock, MTV, and “Goth”

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Characteristics…Value more “informal” approach to work

“Formality” is inefficient and unnecessary–Not much for bureaucracy and meetings

Less group (or organization) orientedAttachment, loyalty, or commitment to “individuals” (not to groups or organizations)

Fun and freedomAdvent of more risk-taking recreational activities

–Extreme sports

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Characteristics…View themselves as “free agents”

Do not have organizational allegiance/loyalty of Boomers

Desire a leader (or boss) who is competent Not simply having “paid their dues”

Prefer systems in which…Questions are welcomeEvery voice is equal

Appreciate regular feedback and mentor-type relationships

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Characteristics…View independence, freedom, and choice as the greatest rewards

Appreciate “time off” over “money” (financial rewards)

Disillusioned with (and do not trust)…Organizations

–Big business (corporations), government, and educational institutions, etc.

Politicians (politics)

–I do not believe anything they say!

»Although, GenXers take a much more passive approach

»Not as active in politics (like Boomer parents)

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Generalizations…


Boomers

GenXers

Millennials

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Generalizations (Millennials)…


Some may describe Millennials as being self-centered and unmotivated

However, this generation has emerged as the most educated, most ambitious, and most technology savvy generation ever!

–Millennials have a distinctive relationship with technology

»Digital natives (indigenous) versus digital immigrants

»Digital immersion»Recent Pew Research Center Study

Work is an “elective” activity (rather than a “necessity”)

It helps achieve personal and/or social goals–“Work to live”

Work to Live

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Children of Boomers and GenXersParents were intentional about wanting childrenParents were deliberate in raising them

–Instilled with an attitude of equality, teamwork (collaboration), and achieving collective success

Born during the financial boom of the 80sGrew up during the steady economic growth of the 90s Graduating from college with burdensome levels of (college-related) debt and little, if any, savings

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Waco siegeOklahoma City bombingMonica Lewinsky scandalDow (over 10,000)dot.com bust9/11EnronSpace Shuttle Columbia disasterSaddam Hussein captured

Facebook launchedHurricane Katrina Virginia Tech shootingFinancial crisisHousing bubble burstTea Party protestsMichael Jackson diedOsama bin Laden killedOccupy Wall Street movement


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CharacteristicsSheltered, achieving, confident, pressured, conventional, and team-oriented

“Baby on Board” signs on cars–Protective (“helicopter”) parents

Children of “soccer moms”–Pressured to live up to “trophy kid” image

Raised to believe that can achieve

(and succeed) beyond the level of those “before” them

Taught they hold the “power to change the world”– They believe it!

»Global perspective (concerns)

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Characteristics…Appreciate a workplace that provides a varied work experience, emphasizes teamwork, and is goal-oriented

Prefer group (over individual) assignments–Want relevant and meaningful work

Fast (immediate) and 24/7 (continuous)First generation to grow up with computers, the Internet, e-mail, cell phones, texting, iPods, iPhones, etc.Expect instant results

–Value speed over detailsInnate ability to multi-task

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Characteristics…Accustomed to being asked about impressions/opinions

Used to having a voice and being heard (unlike GenXers)

–Expect others to value what they have to sayDirect, regular, and immediate feedback is essential

Do not have the same allegiance/loyalty to a company (employer) as Boomers do

Likely to change jobs frequentlyMore likely to volunteer timeDesire flex-time

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Question 3


How do you think your values, beliefs, and

worldview influence the way you “lead” people

in other generations (in the following areas)…

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Generational Leadership Issues

Communication (best way to communicate)

Technology (best way to use technology)

Priorities (best way to reconcile priorities)

Experience (best way to provide opportunities to get it)

Knowledge (best way to transfer it)

Responsibility (best way to give and handle it – once given)

Relevance (best way to make it meaningful)

Approach (it’s not about “what”, it’s about “how”)

–Respect (Attitude)–Value (Recognition)–Trust (Empowerment)

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Question 4

Question 4 (5 minutes – large group)

What are the “most significant” take-a-ways (your

top 3) from today’s session that will help you

become a better generational leader (i.e., lead better

across the generations)?

What action(s) are you going to take (as a result)?

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Questions and Answers

Overview Generational Cultures Prevalent Cultures Today Cultural Identity Generational Characteristics (Generalizations)

Generational LeadershipBusinesses

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Thank you for attending today’s session

Enjoy the rest of the conference and

have a safe trip home!

aca. generational leadership paul meyers principal and ceo aviation management consulting group...

Documents

generation generation

generational leadersleading

generational cultureco

members members

asthe silent generation

worldviews culture

distinct values

collective values