Developing the Generations Is there a difference

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Developing the GenerationsIs there a difference?

• HR Spring Forum
• May 7, 2007

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At Work Today

• Silent (1924-1942)
• Colin Powell/Gloria Steinem
• Boomer (1943-1961)
• Steven Spielberg/Oprah Winfrey
• Generation X (1962-1981)
• Michael Jordan/Jodie Foster
• Millennials (1982-2002)
• Frankie Muniz/ Mandy Moore

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What Impacts Generational Differences?

• The Big 8
• Media
• Popular Culture
• Technology
• Current Events
• Health/Wellness
• Personal Appearance
• Economy
• Diversity
• Keppler, 2004

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The Silent Generation

• Traditionalists (63 ) value.
• Privacy
• Status Quo
• Rules
• Hard work
• Loyal
• Influences
• Great Depression, Roaring 20s, 3 Wars, G.I. Bill
• Keepers of the Grail

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Baby Boomer Influences

• Suburbia
• Television
• Watergate
• Civil Rights
• Sex, drugs and rock n roll
• Vietnam

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The Boomer Paradox

• Boomers (45-63 year olds) value
• Hard work Success
• Its all about me
• Anti rules
• Change
• Thank God its Monday

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Generation X Influences

• MTV
• Game Boy
• Personal Computer
• Divorce rate tripled
• Latch-key children
• Faltering economy
• Attitude- I can take care of myself

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Generation X

• 28-44 year olds
• Techno-savvy
• Self sufficient
• Entrepreneurial
• Want options
• Work to Live

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Influences on the Millennial

• The Internet
• Facebook/Myspace
• Instant message
• Cell phones
• Terrorism
• A 24/7 world
• Pace of change

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The New Millennials- better known as Millies

• More altruistic
• Interested in Group and Organization Affiliation
• Less Critical of Authority-
• Increased Consumerism- High Expectations
  Extremely Technologically Savvy
• Stay Busy!
• Upcoming optimists
• (Adapted from Keppler, 2004)

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Goals

• Traditionalists
• Boomers
• Gen X
• Millies

• Build a legacy
• Build a stellar career
• Build a portable career
• Build a balanced life

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Learning Differences

• In your table groups Discuss some of the
  possible learning differences between
  generations.

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Learning Differences

• Instructor Focused
• Traditionalists
• Boomers

• Learner Centered
• Gen X
• Gen Y

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The Generations Differ_Learning Preferences

• Traditionalists
• Prefer print / paper
• Sequential / logical
• Chalk and talk
• No touchy feely
• Want computer training

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Baby Boomers

• Reference experts
• Take notes the highlighter generation
• Prefer classroom
• Training is a perk
• Enjoy interactive learning
• Learning is a way to get ahead

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Gen X

• OK with e-learning
• Motivated to add to skills set
• Looking to fill leadership positions
• Challenge authority
• Self reliant

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Millies

• Tune out the boring
• 24/7 access
• Learn collaboratively
• Embrace technology
• Learner centered
• Need structure

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Feedback

• Traditionalists
• No news is good news
• Boomers
• Once a year whether needed or not
• Gen X
• So how am I doing?
• Millies
• Virtual coach at the touch of a button

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Commonalities

• In your table groups Discuss some of the
  possible learning commonalities between
  generations.
• Hint Think learning style and preferred topics

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Commonalities

• Everyone wants to learn!

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Top 5 Learning Areas

• Leadership
• Skills training in field of expertise
• Problem solving/decision making
• Team building
• Communication skills

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Top 5 Learning MethodsSoft Skills

• On-the-job training
• One-on-one coaching
• Peer interaction feedback
• Discussion groups
• Live classroom instruction

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Top 5 Learning MethodsHard skills

• On-the-job training
• Workbooks and manuals
• Books and reading
• One-on one coaching
• Live classroom instruction

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Key Points

• What people want to learn is related more to
  their job than their generation
• Younger people do not want to learn everything
  via computer
• Older people want to learn some things via
  computer
• Everyone wants to learn on the job

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More key points..

• Everyone is interested in coaching
• One size does not fit all think individualized
  learning plan
• Use a blended approach
• Create new roles Boomers/Master trainers

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Trainers shift roles

• Less time in classroom
• More time designing using new formats, e-learn,
  podcasts, blogs, etc.
• More time facilitating interaction and
  collaboration
• Put on mentor and coach hats
• Develop training in shorter segments

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References

• Workforce Crisis, Dychtwald, Erickson and Morison
• Retiring the Generation Gap, Deal
• Adult Learning Styles, Kroeger
• Lesson Plans-What is your Learning Style, Murphy
• Training tomorrows Workforce, Ware, Craft and
  Kershenbaum
• Understanding Generational Differences on Campus,
  Keppler

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Questions