When working with multigenerational groups, it can be helpful to be aware of the cultural backgrounds, goals, life influencers and behaviours. This infographic helps to summarise the differences between Traditionalists (the Silent Generation), Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y (Millenials, Echo Boomers, Net Gen, Generation Why, Entitlement Generation) Our goal is understand the strengths and differences of each generational groups to build successful organisations. Of course, generalisations about generations are just that. Age defines a demographic, not a person. Ultimately, we need to get to know indviduals, not just make assumptions.

1. For the first time in history we
have four generations working
together
generations
Each generation has distinct attitudes, behaviours, expectations,
habits and motivational buttons
.
Remember that generalizations about generations are just that.
Age defines a demographic, not a person.
!
Traditionalists
Baby Boomers
1922-1943
1944-1964
Pay cash
Buy now, pay later
A dream
Generation X
Generation Y
1965-1977
1978-1995
Save, save, save
Earn to spend
A birth right
A way to get there
An incredible expense
Traditional/nuclear
Disintegrating
Latch-key kids
Merged families
Discipline, conformity
Optimism, involvement
Sceptical, fun,
informality
Realism, confidence,
extreme fun, social
Formal
Business casual
(high end)
Business casual
(low end)
Whatever feels
comfortable
An obligation
An exciting adventure
Work is…
A difficult challenge
A contract
Dedicated
Driven
Work Ethic
Balanced
Determined
Ne’er the twain
shall meet
No balance.
Work to live
Work/Life
Balance
Balance
Something’s wrong
Caution
Change
Potential opportunity
Improvement
Respectful
Love/Hate
Authority
Unimpressed
Equals
What is my next career
move? I’ve been here 12
months and haven’t been
promoted yet.
£
Values
My dedication & service
have been rewarded
It’s about time,
I’ve paid my dues
Progression
I’ve delivered the
results, why can’t
I be promoted yet?
Carries a stigma.
Stay for life
Puts you behind.
Stay if moving up.
Job
changing
Is necessary.
Follow your heart.
The ultimate multi taskers
Slow & steady. Stability
Ladder. Upward mobility
Career path
Lattice. Plateaus are fine
Checkerboard
Prove yourself with loyalty.
Pay dues.
Prove yourself with long
hours. Pay dues.
Career pace
I want to know all my
options now.
May switch
frequently and fast
Formal
In person
Style
Direct
Email,
voicemail
Send me a memo
Call me anytime
When
Call me only at work
Leave a message
Individual
Team player
Loves meetings
Interactive
style
Entrepreneur
Participative
Great depression
Suburbia
Sesame Street
Natural disasters
Roaring 20s
Feminism
Divorce
Diversity
WWI & WWII
Civil Rights movement
Computer games
Violence & Gangs
Korean War
Drugs, sex & rock’n’roll
Boom & bust
Coddled by Parents
I want to get involved
because I have great
ideas for how we can
improve the situation
Role
Models
It is my duty to build a
legacy for following
generations
By being involved,
we will shape society
for the better
Attitude
Not sure why
I should bother
to get involved.
Create your legacy.
Mentor younger
volunteers
Raise your profile.
Impact strategy &
direction
Recruit
Gain transferrable
skills. Achievements
Use creativity
& provide input
Your experience
is respected
You are valued
You are needed
Motivate
Do it your way
Forget the rules
You’ll work with other
bright, creative people
Not necessary
Does not handle
negative feedback well
Mentoring
Not necessary to
receive feedback
Constant feedback
needed
If no one is
yelling, good
Once a year,
documented
Performance
Reviews
Sorry to interrupt,
how am I doing?
What do you mean
I’m not outstanding?
Money
Give me
more…
Time
Classroom
extended through
critical reflection
Learning
style
Self-Directed or Selfpaced. E-learning.
Structured lectures

Essentials
Traditional classroom.
Coaching
£

Recognise

Sources
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Generating Effective Teamwork Across the Generations. Hall, T. Duke University
Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees Hammil, G. FDU Magazine (2005)
Gen Y and Baby Boomers are not so Dissimilar. Shaikh, P. (2009)
Gen Y, Gen X and The Baby Boomers: Workplace Generation Wars. Gelston, S. (2008)
When Generations Collide. Lancaster, L.C. and Stillman, D. (2002)
Motivating the “What’s in it For Me?” Generation Workforce. Marston, C. (2007)
The Fourth Turning: An American Philosophy. Strauss, W. and Howe, N. (1997).
Appreciating a Multigenerational Workforce. Michael C Fina/Sarah White Associates
Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace. Zemke, Raines, and Filipezak (2000)

Affirmation

Informal, incidental
learning. Sort
attention span.