Page 108 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

Generations at Work

Four generations now share the workplace. They are often
referred to as the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation
X, and Generation Next (often referred to as Millennials). In brief,
the Silent Generation remembers when the executives were
men (in dark suits and white shirts) and secretaries (in dresses
and high heels) used old-fashioned typewriters, carbon paper,
and microfiche. Baby Boomers raised the status of women in
the workplace and changed traditional notions of family roles
at home. Gen Xers grew up alongside the technology boom.
They brought a wave of dress-down, flextime, work-at-home,
and play-at-work attitudes to the office. Gen Nexters come to
the table with technology as a second skin. The first rung on the
corporate ladder is not always their first step. Their workplace
is so different from the one where the Silent Generation got its
start, that a Nexter might guess that microfiche is a small French
fish. However, specific age groups and profiles of each group are
less important than understanding some common issues that
arise when generations come together at work.

The Motivational Mindset

■ For a long time workplace advancement was guided by a
simple, reliable formula: age experience opportunities for
advancement. Being supervised by much younger people may
be a difficult adjustment for many.
■ If you look or are considered too young for your position,
don’t make threats or unreasonable power plays to show your
strength. Most new managers need to earn respect. Being
solid, and rational and doing what needs to be done will earn
you that respect.
■ Young workers are starting out at salaries many senior
employees would never have dreamed of at that age.
Sometimes a simple matter of economics can feel personal or
feed resentment.

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