Cam Marston

2004 Wheel 2004 Wheel of Learningof Learning

Q: What do I need to Q: What do I need to know about the four know about the four generations that will generations that will impact my workplace?impact my workplace?

Generational Repetition:Generational Repetition:

1) Each generation assumes the following generations will want what they have and will share their same definition of “success”.

2) Each generation then believes the following generations should “pay their dues” the same way to earn that success.

3) With a few exceptions, each generation thinks the following generation has had it much easier.

Millennials, AKA:Millennials, AKA:

• Baby Boomlets• Echo Boomers• Generation Y• Generation Why?• September 11 Generation• Dot-Com Generation

The US Population Today

The Generations in the Workplace

Part I – Understand the Part I – Understand the background of each generation.background of each generation.

Two Theories:

1. The oldest, wealthiest, and most visible members of a generation define the behavior and attitude for those that follow.

Definitions of a Generation

• Common Experiences• Shared Values

The MaturesThe Matures•Duty, honor, country•Dedication, sacrifice•Conformity, blending, unity – “We First”•Patience•Hard, hard times then prosperity•National pride•Doing a good job was most

important•Age = Seniority

The Baby BoomersThe Baby Boomers• Work ethic = Worth ethic2

• “workaholic”; competitive• Success is largely visible – trophies,

plaques, lifestyle elements• Optimistic• Consumers• Defined by their job• Personal development• We are the world; We are the children

The Boomers…The Boomers…1970 2004

Long hair Longing for hair

Acid rock Acid refluxHoping for a BMW Hoping for a BMRolling Stones Kidney StonesTrying to look like Liz Taylor or Marlon Brando

Trying NOT to look like Liz Taylor or Marlon Brando

Killer weed Weed killer

Generation XGeneration X• Came of age when our national

institutions came into question.• “This company never promised you anything.” Layoffs – end of lifelong employment• No common heroes• Suspicious of Boomers values• Raised as their parent’s “friends”• Had to learn to fend for themselves • Very self-reliant• Cynical and pessimistic

MillennialsMillennials• Optimistic• Individualistic yet group oriented• Difficulty focusing on “non-stimulating stuff”• Busy• Like “X”, raised as their parent’s friends.• Acknowledge and admire select authorities• Think the Matures are cool! Parents, too.• Ambitious yet appear aimless

Part I – Understand the Part I – Understand the background of each generation.background of each generation.

Two Theories:

2. Identify a generation’s heroes and you’ll learn their value systems.

HeroesHeroes

MaturesBoomers

Gen XMillennial

Cam Marston

2004 Wheel of 2004 Wheel of LearningLearning

NCCCSNCCCS

Cam Marston

2004 Wheel of 2004 Wheel of LearningLearning

NCCCSNCCCS

For Further For Further ThoughtThought

What characteristics are you looking for What characteristics are you looking for in employees or students or co-in employees or students or co-workers?workers?

• Discipline• Focus• Execution

Discipline Focus ExecutionDiscipline Focus Execution

The next generation may also bring:• A desire for open, non-hierarchal

communication• Tolerance and respect for expressing emotion• An acknowledgment and respect for personal

values• Allowances for spirituality• Teams of individuals

HeroesHeroes

MaturesBoomers

Gen XMillennial

Cam Marston

2004 Wheel of 2004 Wheel of LearningLearning

NCCCSNCCCS