Multi-generational approach
what would be the best approach in a multi generational environment?
It is important to take the time and adapt to different generations. Understanding the different generations will help to understand people better and therefore understand the needs of each individual. We can then take what we know about the person and cater to helping them specifically to help them feel valued and understood. I agree with Jeff in that we should remember to use what we have learned outside of work so that we are able to properly support and help each individual.
I think that it is important to recognize and be able to identify the characteristics of the different generational styles. This will help us address individual needs of the group more effectively. However, I also think that most of us probably have a lot of experience dealing with people from different generations over our lifetime. It could be through your family, at school, or simply within your community. We should remember to use what we have learned outside of the workplace to address these generational needs.
I myself have to possess all the characteristics of these different types to some degree in order to help all types of students. I assign a homework or project task to the class, and tell them all that they are capable of doing the assignment. I thoroughly explain all the details of the assignment, and introduce any needed resources etc. For the success of the assignment I may have to help some students more than others, when having a class that has mixed students. This is rare, but I did have one class where all the students were near to my own age! When I have a class that has mixed students, some finish on their own, (praise to those who have completed it on their own), and patience with those that need the help. I stay with those who need help until they grasp what they need to do to go on their own.
timothy, I understand now. What are some other things you can relate to with multi-generational people in your department, etc?
Dr. Jean Norris
my financial outcome relates to my continued employment in this business. I have been employed in this capacity at public and a private non-profit colleges in the past and the culture is just different with for profits.
Thank you for sharing your approach, Timothy. Considering everyone's background and behaviors is key to reaching everyone. I'm curious about your financial outcome, what do you mean?
Dr. Jean Norris
I always take into account each persons socio-economic status as well as the breath and depth of their knowledge on the subject, their financial stake in the outcome, (as well as my own)and then past practices.
Nydia,
This is an interesting concept. Have you ever done anything like this before? Can you share?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think in which groups share traditions and culture based upon the period in which they came of working age.
Great awareness! These are all good questions Natasa and you're not alone in the challenge to manage a multi-generational team. I find the collaborative approach is a great practice because it appeals to all generations. Though the Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers tend to be more independent, they also like to provide input and use their experience as examples. The Millenials like to be part of the decision-making team so getting their buy in is important. There are many articles and workshops on multi-generational management and I encourage you to do some research. I recently read this article that provides a few tips: http://guides.wsj.com/management/managing-your-people/how-to-manage-different-generations/
How have others found success working with a multi-generational team?
Dr. Jean Norris
I recently learned how important this question really is for the growth of an institution. Until I was placed in a management role of individuals from various generations, some with very different communication styles, I understood that differences existed, but not that they could have a negative effect on an institution if not managed properly. I have since realized that my communication and collaboration styles are not the “correct†styles and that I must research and adapt to that of my colleagues. With all these differences among employees, I have found it difficult to gain supporters of the institutional policies that I view as important, but perhaps the suggestions we have learned here will benefit future collaborations. I believe that face to face meetings with a multi-generational group of individuals would be most effective because everyone has to participate, at least by being in the same room, and everyone would have the opportunity to express feelings and opinions as they are felt. It seems to me that this would allow individuals to learn about the collaboration styles of others in the room, and learn to respect the differences, more than a mass email would allow, for example.
Dr. Jean, do you have any suggestions for individuals in the management position who must lead those who are older in age and have more work experience in general than that individual? How does that individual present issues and needs for policy adherence?
That's a great question Ferline. That situation probably occurs more often than not. One step you can do is to tailor parts of the conversation to each generation. I wonder, what have you done in the past?
Dr. Jean Norris
