• About
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Fiction

AS it is

~ Putting pen to paper, fingers to keyboard

AS it is

Tag Archives: production

The Power of Four

12 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Ann S. in The Technical Side

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Baby Boomers, background, business, Business Communications, communication, communications modes, gaps, Gen X, Gen Y, generations, influencers, organizational behavior, production, social characteristics, Veterans, workstyle

We have four generations working side-by-side-by-side-by-side in the workplace. That’s impressive and a bit intimidating. Why? There are four distinct groups gathered together in one place to achieve common goals, and all four groups have different backgrounds, influencers, social characteristics, and communication modes.

Veterans 1922-1945

Baby Boomers 1946-1964

Generation X 1965-1980

Generation Y 1980-2001

Why is this combination so significant that it causes friction in the workplace? Generational differences can affect everything in a company, from recruitment to building teams, from dealing with change to motivating and managing, and to maintaining and increasing productivity. The same issues apply to those working in volunteer organizations and other clubs.

Think of how generational differences, relative to how people communicate, might affect misunderstandings, high employee turnover, difficulty in attracting employees and gaining employee commitment. Take for instance communications. Veterans began their careers long before computers were invented, and the Gen Ys never had to learn this stuff – they were born with cell phones, email and the Internet.

source: FDU Magazine

source: FDU Magazine

There are more differences between generations than ever before. Even though my parents are only one generation away, I see variations between their work styles than mine. Now again imagine that larger gap between Veterans and Gen Ys or Baby Boomers and Gen Ys.

The opportunity is available for the four generations to understand each other better. Each of us usually think the way we do it is the correct way: “You weren’t even a twinkle in your momma’s eye while I was building this company” to “Just because you’ve always done it that way doesn’t mean it’s right.” parents just dont understandWhile not quite a “Parents Just Don’t Understand” gist, there are undertones of under appreciating the nuanced differences that causes flare up on both sides and creates work environment unhappiness.

One thing is certain – the workplace is fluid. We continue to rewrite roles to accommodate, and one day when the Millennials enter the workforce, everything will adjust again. In order to be successful, keep in mind the motivators, preferred rewards, and communication styles of those around you. ALL three of those other generations around you.

 

 

Advertisements

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Recent Posts

  • Make a Difference
  • The Briefcase vs. Backpack Debate
  • Are You Managing Complex Change?
  • International Women’s Day
  • The Bowl Game Names I Want to See

Photography

  • Recharging
  • Today China Doll
  • In the Conservatory
  • Morning walk along Hanalei Bay
  • Mammoth Springs
  • Roots
  • Sometimes You Have to Look Up
  • Weekly Photo Challenge: Near and Far
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Fiction

Categories

  • Musings
  • Photography
  • The Technical Side
  • Uncategorized
  • Writings

Archives

  • March 2018
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • January 2017
  • September 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Sites I like

  • Just Another Bad
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Fiction

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.com
Advertisements

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
%d bloggers like this: