Is There a Generation Gap in Your Office?
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People differ in many
ways, including personality characteristics, values, and backgrounds.
But two other important differences are generational: (1) the stage of
life you are in and (2) the culture in which you grew up. Often, people from one
generation have a hard time understanding those who are older or
younger. The table below provides general descriptions of the four
generations now in the workforce: Traditionalists , Baby
Boomers , Generation X, and the Millenials .
Just remember that these are broad stereotypes. Every individual has his or her own
unique personality and life situation. "Generation" is only one piece of the
puzzle.
Traditionalists
(b.
1920-1945)
Baby Boomers
(b.
1946-1964)
Generation X
(b.
1965-1984)
Millenials
(b.
1985-2002)
What they lived
·
Great
depression
·
World War II
·
Post-war boom
·
Cold war
·
Intact families
·
Lived in one
location
·
Radio
·
Rise in
industrial technology
·
Stability of
1950’s
·
Upheaval of
1960’s
·
Viet Nam
·
Watergate
·
Move for racial
& gender equality
·
Television
·
Shared mass
culture
·
Rock music
·
Cars & freeways
·
Shift to
electronic communication
·
Interconnected
world
·
Legal
protection of rights
·
Environmental
movement
·
Divorce &
daycare
·
Widespread
layoffs
·
Family
relocation
·
Multicultural
society
·
Wide use
of technology
·
Instant
information
·
Fragmented
culture
·
Decline of
marriage
·
Parents
changing jobs
·
Child-centered
families
·
Celebrity
culture
What’s on their mind now
·
Making a
contribution
·
Leaving a
legacy
·
Retirement
·
Health issues
·
Finding
personal meaning & enjoyment
·
Financial
security
·
Aging parents
·
Health issues
·
Career
advancement
·
Raising a
family
·
Juggling
multiple activities
·
Mortgages &
college loans
·
Changing the
world
·
Continuing
their education
·
Picking a
career
·
Having fun
How they see themselves
Dedicated
Loyal
Cooperative
Stable
Dependable
Trustworthy
Security
conscious
Independent
Committed
Savvy
Loyal
Hard-working
Realistic
Businesslike
Flexible
Self-reliant
Fast-acting
Not political
Open to
feedback
Results-oriented
Balanced
Team-oriented
Collaborative
Flexible
Community-oriented
Technical
Supportive
Fun-loving
How other generations may
see them
Rigid
Authoritarian
Uncreative
Stodgy
Workaholic
Political
Self-absorbed
Inflexible
Impatient
Disrespectful
Cynical
Demanding
Naïve
Spoiled
Impulsive
Immature
What they contribute
History
Perspective
Drive
Originality
What they might like to
hear
“Your
experience is valuable.”
“You’ve made
a unique contribution.”
“You
delivered the results we needed.”
“You are an
important part of the team.”
You may also be interested in these topics .
. .
What Motivates You
at Work?
Are You More Extroverted
or Introverted?
Understanding Work
Style Differences
Are You a Taskmaster
or a Socializer?
Are You a
Direct or Indirect Communicator?
Learn More About Our Career Services !
Phone Coaching
Work Style Assessments
Job Search Assistance
Resume Review
Check out the Career
Services section for
more information.
All
material on yourofficecoach.com
is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre.
All rights reserved.
May
be reproduced for non-commercial use with copyright and attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com
Commercial use requires permission: email
mmcintyre@yourofficecoach.com
.
