The document discusses the dynamics of a multi-generational workforce, highlighting the unique characteristics, values, and key historical events associated with each generation from veterans to millennials. It emphasizes the need for understanding and optimizing generational strengths while recognizing their weaknesses, advocating for continuous learning and flexibility in the workplace. The content underscores the shared desire for success across generations, while suggesting strategies for bridging generational differences.

1. Surviving and Thriving in a
Multi-Generational Workforce

5. • Important events included:
– The Great Depression
– WWII
– Disney releases it’s first animated feature (Snow
White)
– The Korean War
– Sputnik went into Orbit
You might be a veteran if…
• You have the ability to entertain yourself without
a TV, in fact you remember the days before TV
• Popular Technology: Radio

11. • Important events included:
– Man walks on the Moon
– Civil Rights
– Woodstock
– Deaths of JFK and Martin Luther King
– Vietnam War begins
You might be a Boomer if you can complete these
sentences…
• When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964,
we all watched them on the ______show
• "Get your kicks, ________________”
• Popular Technology: Television

19. • Important events:
– The Cold War (remember getting under your desk?)
– Challenger Shuttle Explodes on Takeoff
– Berlin Wall Dismantled
– Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe
– U.S. Troops go to Persian Gulf for the 1st time
– AIDS Identified
You might be a Gen Xer if…
• Schoolhouse Rock played a HUGE part in how you
actually learned the English language.
– I know what a Bill (sittin’ up on Capital Hill) is thanks to that
show!!
Popular Technology: Computers

28. • Important Events:
– Death of Princess Diana
– Death of Mother Teresa
– Columbine
– 9/11
– World Center Attacks
– War begins in Iraq for a 2nd time
You might be a Millennial if…
• Blog, Facebook, Instagram, IM, text messaging, and
other social media are a regular part of your daily life
• Popular Technology: The internet, cell phones

30. • Important Events:
– Grew up during the “Great Recession”
– 9/11 still impacting parenting styles
– War on Terror and weapons of mass destruction
You might be a Millennial if…
• You use SnapChat, YouTube, and Instagram regularly,
you love reality TV, and you have never known a time
without technology
• Popular Technology: Mobile Technology

39. What Make’s Millennials Different?

43. 94% of Millennials state they
respect older generations

45. • Looking for meaningful work
• Seeking challenge
• Chance to prove themselves and show they can
perform well
• Enjoys contact with people
• Desire to be in a position of responsibility
• Resents being looked at as though they have no
experience
• Tends to be more job mobile
• Less respectful of authority
Who does this describe?

46. Training and Development Journal
Sorry Boomers, the other generations in the workforce
didn’t like you when you started working!
Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

47. Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

49. Veterans Boomers Gen Xers Millennials
Career
Goals
Build a legacy Build a stellar
career
Build a portable
career
Build parallel
careers
Rewards Satisfaction of a job
well done
Money, title,
recognition,
corner office
Freedom is the
ultimate reward
Work that has
meaning for me
Work-Life
Balance
Support me in
shifting the balance
Help me balance
everyone else and
find meaning
myself
Give me balance
now! Not when
I’m 65
Work isn’t
everything. Need
flexibility to
balance my other
activities
Job
Changing
Carries a stigma Puts you behind Is necessary Is part of the daily
routine
Training I learned the hard
way, you can too!
Train ‘em too
much and they’ll
leave
The more they
learn, the more
they’ll stay
Continuous
learning is a way
of life
Source: When Generations Collide

51. Generation Z

54. FOCUS: on the similarities of the
different generations.
We all want to be successful in our careers.
We all have hopes and dreams.
•

55. UNDERSTAND: the differences
between the way the generations
approach work.
• OPTIMIZE: the strengths of each group:
Veterans are loyal and want to make a difference.
Boomers are highly optimistic but may be looking
toward their next stage of life.
X-ers value independence and flexibility and the
opportunity to manage.
Millennials value teamwork and personal connection
as well as making a difference.

56. REALIZE: the possible weaknesses of
each generation.
Younger workers may not see the potential
hazards and pitfalls of business. They don’t
have the knowledge of what has worked in
the past and what has been a total failure.
Older workers may be too focused on the way
things have “always been done” and thus be
resistant to accepting new procedures and
new technologies.

66. Jennifer Fisher
jennifer@jenthreepointzero.com
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Twitter: Jenfisherfw
www.jenthreepointzero.com