Generational Differences Grid

This chart provides a quick reference regarding the differences among the various generations in today's workforce. This is an excellent one-screen summary of what you've read in the previous article. Focus on the left-hand column for each factor that most people consider important in the workplace. Then, move across the grid to compare the different expectations and responses.


Traditionalist (born before 1946)
 Baby Boomer (born 1947-1964)
 Gen X (born 1965-1981)
 Gen Y/ Millennial (born 1982-2000)
What they expect
 Respect for authority
 Quality and a cause to believe in
 Self-reliance and flexibility
 Flexibility while learning and having fun
How they communicate
Formally
 Semi-formally Candidly and informally
 Electronically and publicly
How they learn
 Show me, tell me, put it in the writing
 Engagement Independently Experientially, in leaderless teams using multi-media
Strengths Loyalty, trustworthiness
Corporate savvy, going the extra mile
 Efficiency, adaptability
 Global-mindedness, multi-tasking
Challenges Rigidity
Workaholics (and expect same from others)
 Rule breakers, skeptical
 Impatient, little respect for hierarchy and authority
Messages that motivate
 Your experience is respected
 You are valued and needed
 Do it your way
 You'll collaborate with other bright, creative people
Feedback No news = good news
 Once a year, with something in writing
 Ask "How am I doing?"
 Expected instantly and at the touch of a button
Work ethic
 Loyal and dedicated
 Driven, work hard/play hard
 Balanced, independent
Eager but anxious
Flexibility
 Don't get it
 Sandwiched and overloaded but provide it for everyone else
 Want it now and always
 Needed to balance multiple aspects of life
Loyalty To work and authority
 To political correctness
 To work and family
 To self and social consciousness
Work hours
 Punch the clock
 Visibility
Why does it matter if I get my work done
 My work, my life, my way
Attitude toward work
 Obligation Exciting adventure
 Difficult challenge
 Must be fun and make a difference

Source: Saylor Academy, https://s3.amazonaws.com/saylordotorg-resources/wwwresources/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/BUS209-6.4-Generational-Differences-Grid-FINAL.pptx
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Last modified: Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 9:11 PM