This document discusses different generations in the workforce and strategies for engaging each generation. It begins by describing stereotypes associated with each generation (Silent, Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, Gen Z) and notes that stereotypes do not fully capture each generation. It then provides more positive descriptions of what each generation brings to the workplace, such as teamwork, goal orientation, adaptability, and technology skills. The document recommends communication strategies for each generation and lists resources for learning about generational differences and leading organizational change effectively when multiple generations are involved. It concludes by inviting the reader to contact the author for her monthly newsletter and a free e-book on fundraising strategies.

1. So many generations
so little time!
Sophie Penney, Ph.D.
Boomer and Teacher of Multiple Generations
President of
i5 Fundraising.com

2. Generations

3. Silent Generation Stereotype?
Old fashioned
Rigid
Hate change
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

4. Boomer Stereotype?
Me Generation?
 Competitive
 Focused
 Goal-oriented
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

5. Generation X Stereotype?
Slacker Generation?
 Balanced life
 Self-reliant
 Pragmatic
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

6. Gen Y Stereotype
Millennials?
 Spoiled
 Disrespectful
 Demanding
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

7. Gen Z Stereotype?
A Trophy for Everyone?
 Workplace needs to
conform to them
 Work hard but expect
to be rewarded
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

8. Beyond Stereotypes
Question
Do you and your employees understand work
styles of different generations?
Working with Five Generations in the Workforce, Rawn Shah, Forbes, April 2011.

9. Unpacking Work Styles

10. What each generation
brings to the table
Silent Generation – Teamwork, interpersonal
skills, respect authority, hard workers.
Boomers – Goal oriented, focused, disciplined,
optimists.
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

11. What each brings to the table
Gen X – Willing to take on a challenge,
adaptable, pragmatic, self-reliant.
Millennials – Well-educated, hard workers, goal
setters, ambitious, resilient.
Gen Z – Tech savvy, multi-taskers.
Five Generations in the Workforce, Unretire Yourself

12. Ready, set, action!
Silent Generation – Be more formal, no slang.
Boomers – Involve, permit them to ask questions, link
to mission/vision.
Gen X – Be straight, no jargon.
Millennials – Be positive, speak face-to-face.
Gen Z – Talk face-to-face but use tech as well.
Four Generations in the Workplace: A Survival Guide, MindShift Consulting

13. Before we move forward what are
you wondering about?

14. Donor Styles – Matures*
How to Engage Different Generations of Donors, Classy.org

15. Donor Styles Boomers

16. Donor Styles Gen X

17. Donor Styles Millennials

18. Donor Styles Gen Z

19. What are you really dealing with?

20. Change leadership

21. Reframing the situation
Negative
• So many different styles
• I’ll never get everyone to
work together
• Everyone wants things done
their way
• This will be exhausting
Positive
• We have multi-faceted team
• We have employees that excel
with teamwork.
• People bring different skills we
can leverage them for success
• This may be challenging but
worth it

22. Ensure Organizational Alignment
Answer these questions
• Where are we heading?
• Why are we doing this?
• How do you know this will work?
• How will I be impacted?
• What is expected of me?
Excerpt from Gen Y Now, Buddy Hobart

23. “Joy is a more powerful motivator than fear.”
Dr. Dean Ornish
Change or Die
Fast Company
2015

25. Resources
• Change Intelligence: Use the Power of CQ to Lead
Change that Sticks. Barbara Trautlein, PhD, Greenleaf
Group Book Press, Austin, TX, 2013.
• Change Catalysts: http://www.changecatalysts.com/
• How Can Changing Your Mindset Help You Lead
Change?
• Barbara Trautlein, Principal, Change Catalysts,
September 6, 2016, LinkedIn.

26. More Resources
• Gen Y Now: How Generation Y Changes Your
Workplace and Why It Requires New Leadership
Style, Buddy Hobart.
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,
Angela Duckworth, Scribner, 2016.
• Your Company’s Secret Change Agents. Richard T.
Pascale and Jerry Sternin, May 2005, Harvard
Business Review.

27. One more . . .
• Shifting Landscapes and Earthquakes: Leading
Through Ever-Changing Environments
Sophie Penney & Barbara Trautlein
Journal of Education Advancement &
Marketing, Vol. 3, No. 4, Spring 2018

28. Contact me
Sophie W. Penney, PhD
President, i5 Fundraising
sophie@i5fundriasing.com
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter and
download your free e-book
Fundraisers Channeling Fred Rogers
Follow i5 Fundraising on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.