Sharpen your communication skills

MGMA Connexion, Sep 2005 by Webster, Lee Ann H

Here comes Generation Y

reader take-away

* Understand the distinguishing characteristics of traditionalists, baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y

* Find out why Gen Y members crave feedback

* Learn what key communication skill to hone to connect with all generations

In his book Leadership Jazz, Max DePree tells the following story of a leader confronting "new realities":

The owner of the company ... would walk right into the plant, give a short speech to the first-year employee, and then produce a really beautiful symbol, the company's logo, on a sterling-silver tie tack, presented in a velvet box. One day the ... young man opened the box ... and said, "Gee, that's beautiful!" Then he calmly inserted it into the lobe of his left ear.'

Does this sound like one of today's younger employees? Guess again - this episode took place during the mid-1960s.

Cross-generational conflict has existed throughout history. Although individuals bring their unique talents and training to the workplace, members of a generation share common experiences and may behave similarly in certain situations - and differently from other generations. Generation Y is now entering the workplace, making four generations of co-workers with potentially clashing characteristics, including different styles of and expectations regarding communication.

The "generation gap" can also be a "communication gap." Before discussing specific communication issues, let's identity the four generations currently in the workforce. The dates at which one generation ends and another begins are approximate. Individuals born near the beginning or end of a generation are "cuspers" who may identify with one or both generations. Some believe that cuspers have a natural advantage as managers because they understand and can communicate well with more than one generation.2

Traditionalists (1922-1943)

This generation includes many who fought in World War II and favors a management style based on the military chain of command.3 Attributes include a strong work ethic, respect for authority, loyalty and conformity. All but the youngest members of this cohort can remember the Great Depression, and they tend to be thrifty and financially conservative. As of 2000, Traditionalists controlled three-quarters of the financial assets in the United States.4

Baby boomers (1943-1960)

Optimistic and competitive, this large generation born during the post-World War II baby boom brought longer workweeks, women in traditionally male occupations, teams and a multitude of management trends to the workplace. Although the stereotypical flower children of the '60s, ruthless corporate weasels and yuppies make great fodder for the media, Boomers are actually quite diverse. For example, Boomers who served in Vietnam had a different generational experience than those who did not. Late Boomers (born in the mid-1950s and beyond) were too young to participate in the youth rebellion of the '60s and tend to be more laid-back, family-oriented and less financially successful than their older counterparts. The younger Boomer fathers generally share more parenting responsibilities than their older cohorts - and many of their children are members of Generation Y.5

Generation X (1960-1980)

A much smaller group than the Boomers, Generation X is a skeptical, self-reliant cohort that grew up during the adult-oriented "Me Decade" of fallen heroes, latchkey children and personal computers. Xers want balance in their lives and seek a sense of family - be it a real family or a group of close friends - and time for leisure activities (including "extreme" sports). Their corporate hero is Dilbert, the comic strip character who pokes fun at technologically challenged bosses and Boomer management fads. This group struggled as it entered a tight job market and eventually discovered that corporate America values its technological savvy. Xers prefer a casual workplace, flexible work schedules and fun at work.6

Generation Y (1980-2000)

This generation is almost as large as the Boomers. They came of age during the 1990s "decade of the child" when parents shifted their focus from the "workaholic '80s" to balancing their lives and spending more time with the children. Schools incorporated "self-esteem-building" into their curricula.

Some experts believe that Generation Y may prove to be the "best generation" and predict a dramatic increase in productivity with its arrival in the workplace. Like their Generation X siblings, these young people are no strangers to the latest technology. They grew up during an expansive economy and are enthusiastic and optimistic. They admire the Traditionalists. Like that group, they are hardworking and value honesty and integrity.

Generation Yers are the most education-minded generation in history - 90 percent of high school seniors expect to attend college. Having grown up with racial and ethnic diversity, these young people are more tolerant of others than older generations. College, university and high school authorities report that Yers are already working as volunteers in record numbers. This age group shows lower teen arrests, drug use, drunk-driving accidents, pregnancy and high school drop-out rates than previous generations.7