Generational Communication

1
Generational Communication
2
The Veterans 1920-1940

• The difficult we do at once the impossible
  takes a bit longer.
• --Motto of the SeaBees

3
The Veterans 1920-1940

• Experienced the Great Depression

4
The Veterans 1920-1940

• Experienced the Dust Bowl

5
The Veterans 1920-1940

• Experienced the bombing of Pearl Harbor and World
  War II

6
The Veterans 1920-1940

• Values patriotism, sacrifice, hard work, respect
  for rules and authority
• Heroes parents, President, Bible characters
• This generation learned to conform to the needs
  of a larger effortthey gave up sugar, tires,
  etc. for World War II

7
The Veterans 1920-1940

• How to work with a veteran
• Change is hard
• Spend time with them, but dont waste their time
  and dont expect them to discuss private matters
• Keep your word
• Formality in communication is preferred
• Communicate face-to-face or in writingphone/email
  s are not the preferred method

8
The Veterans 1920-1940

• Veterans are insulted by
• Disrespect of elders
• Selfishness at others expense
• Dishonor by government officials
• Redefining American values

9
The Boomers 1941-1960

• I hope I die before I get old.
• --Lyrics from My Generation
• by The Who

10
The Boomers 1941-1960

• Experienced the Vietnam War

11
The Boomers 1941-1960

• Experienced Kent State and police brutality
  against protesters

12
The Boomers 1941-1960

• Experienced the assassinations of President
  Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

13
The Boomers 1941-1960

• Experienced hippie culture

14
The Boomers 1941-1920

• Values work, looking young, health and wellness,
  team orientation, leadership, civic involvement,
  growth
• Heroes superheroes, rock stars, sports stars,
  movie stars
• This is the largest buying generation
• First generation to really be teenagers
• This generation wanted to end all wars, racial
  inequity, and cure the common cold

15
The Boomers 1941-1960

• How to work with a boomer
• Want to solve problems and change
• Get to know them personally
• Use the personal approach (I need you to do this
  for me)
• Give public recognition
• Help them acquire skills like listening and
  motivating others without nagging or preaching

16
The Boomers 1941-1960

• Boomers are insulted by
• Being overlooked
• Being told theyre wrong with no explanation
• Others working the system
• Lack of personalized treatment
• Controlling/commanding style of leadership

17
Generation X 1961-1980

• They got to the cocktail party twenty minutes
  too late.
• --Dennis Miller (comedian)

18
Generation X 1961-1980

• Experienced Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker scandal

19
Generation X 1961-1980

• Challenger space shuttle explosion

20
Generation X 1961-1980

• Experienced sports stars and movie stars busted
  for drugs

21
Generation X 1961-1980

• Experienced both parents working raised
  themselves or by daycare

22
Generation X 1961-1980

• Values self-reliance, independence, accept
  failure in others, create a better family,
  balance, question authority, technology
• Heroes fantasy characters (no one left to
  admire)
• This generation believes in spiritual relativity
  and situational ethics

23
Generation X 1961-1980

• How to work with an Xer
• Brutally honest help them develop tact
• Loyal to people, not companies
• If youre offended, confront them
• Dont suck up
• Initiate conversationmost dont know how to make
  small talk
• No patience for tenure systempromote the person
  who does the job best

24
Generation X 1961-1980

• Generation Xers are insulted by
• Rules that protect incompetence
• Bosses who want to be your daddy
• People who push conformity
• Hypocrisy or special treatment

25
Generation Next 1981-2000

• Well burn that bridge when we come to it.
• --Jacob Martin

26
Generation Next 1981-2000

• Experienced gangs and crackdowns on gang activity

27
Generation Next 1981-2000

• Experienced Oklahoma City bombing

28
Generation Next 1981-2000

• Experienced 9/11 and War on Terror

29
Generation Next 1981-2000

• Values optimism, civic duty, morality,
  diversity, belief in collaborative action
• Heroes singers, movie stars, fantasy characters,
  careers
• One third of Nexters are born to Xers two thirds
  are born to Boomers
• 50 live in single-parent homes
• Will shape consumer markets like the
  Boomersrequest technology more than any other
  generation

30
Generation Next 1981-2000

• How to work with a Nexter
• Will work hard and be dedicated
• Have a hard time making decisions
• Enjoy teamwork and are comfortable with
  technology want to be educated and use skills
• Work within the system, not against it
• Do not like deadlines expect extra time
• Want constant feedback and are offended if they
  dont get it
• Expect several chances to get it right

31
Generation Next 1981-2000

• Nexters are insulted by
• Being treated their age or considered less
  because of their youth
• Sexism, racism, and prejudice
• Learning that isnt relevant to their lives
• Double standards and special treatment

32
ACORN Model

• Accommodate
• Differences and needs
• Create choices
• Involve people in decision-making
• Operate in multiple leadership styles
• Everyone is unique and needs attention
• Respect competence and initiative
• Treat everyone as if they are great
• Nourish relationships
• Be trustworthy and understandingno gossip!