Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y: Leadership Tips to Leverage the Differences

Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y: Leadership Tips to Leverage the Differences

In today's workplace, at least three if not four generations working together. But each generation comes to work with different needs and preferences, different views on how they should be treated and compensated, different attitudes toward work, and different views of management and leadership. As leaders embrace some of these differences and exploit these differences for success?

managers must be able to get Boomers, GenX and Geny to work together in an efficient and productive manner. To facilitate this, leader must understand and be able to assess and coordinate various aspects of these three generations. Communication styles, technologies and opportunities, access to work / life balance

Communication Style : Although the most common form of communication in the work world of e-mail, there are many situations when only face to face or conference work best. Boomers are generally more comfortable with face to face than the other two generations, as they have had years of experience working together. GenX grew up with voice mail and e-mail and will generally look for situations where you can communicate with one or more of these funds. They have a BlackBerry or iPhone and keep in touch with others via e-mail. GenYs, having grown up with technology in all aspects of their lives, tend to love social media and texting. They generally prefer to use different media to use the same communication medium whether keeping in touch with friends and family and share ideas and concepts with colleagues. What all three generations share an understanding of ICT and that it is necessary. Using this understanding is the best way for leaders to ensure communication is effective.

Leadership Council : The key to communication is the message, but the media can determine whether or not, or how well the message was received. If the recipient is not engaged in the process, they are less likely to absorb the message and take appropriate action. Ask employees how they like to communicate and how they prefer to receive information. Then discuss how best to include your preferences in the organization of communication models and actions.

technology skills : Do you have employees working together in one place or work remotely, effective use of technology is needed. GenX and Geny likely to be more technologically savvy than Boomers, but does not assume Boomers are not able to learn and integrate new technologies into their workday. Communication style and technology are inextricably linked, and Boomers are constantly upgrading their skills.

Leadership Council : Summary of differences in technology skills as an opportunity for training and development. Encourage technology savvy Geny teach or train GenX and Boomer employees to use the software or other technology tools and techniques necessary to perform their roles. Use this as an opportunity for training and development for all three generations.

approach to work / Life Balance : Boomers grew up in a working environment where loyalty and commitment to the organization and its work product was encouraged and rewarded. They spent long hours of delivery of work products. Since it is only focused on the results, although useful for the organization as a whole is likely to create conflict with Geny employees. Geny workers are more interested in work / life balance, and will spend time working on the Facebook page, some Boomers would just make at home.

Leadership Council : View Geny need for social networks during work hours and taking a break from work. If you are a Boomer or a GenX, and is used to smoke and coffee breaks. As with other activities, talk with Geny employees how best to locate and break into their working day. Accept that this is a key part of life and Geny Geny think about social networking while taking a break.

There are certainly differences in how each generation views work. Orientation toward work and approach to work / life balance, communication styles and technology skills is different for each generation. And certainly, each generation has different incentives. However, even with different styles of communication tools and methods and in some cases, conflicting communication styles, effective use of the diversity of these groups of employees will increase productivity. Members of this generation will learn from each other and develop the ability to accept different points of view. Bringing together the different generations is also a collateral benefit to you and the organizations that have ongoing growth and development for all.

End Leadership Council : Provides boomers the opportunity to mentor junior staff. Mentor relationships are valued all three generations. As a leader, this is one of the best ways to leverage the generational differences of organizational success.

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