Have you ever wondered why member's of a team at work disagree and cannot "get along for the sake of getting along?" Could it be the emerging conundrum of the generational divide? Take a moment to consider the overview of what each generation prefers in the work environment, and make a commitment to addressing this with senior management, leaders, and employees.

1. BRIDGING THE
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
MARCIA BENNETT
BENNETTCONSULTANTS@GMAIL.COM
434-515-2313
WWW.LIVETOMANAGE.COM

2. WHAT IS THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE?
• There are multiple generations in the workplace today
• People now collaborate and work with/for others who may be their parents/grandparents or
children/grandchildren’s age
• This poses a “threat” to every generation indirectly- thus creating the “Generational Divide”
• How do we address this in the workplace?

3. LEARN THE PREFERRED WORK STYLES
• Every generation has a preference within the work environment
• Traditionalists prefer details and guidance
• Baby boomers value meetings
• Gen Xers are more independent
• Gen Yers respond to structure and coaching

4. UNDERSTAND COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
• Traditionalists are used to formal methods of conversation
• Baby Boomers have adapted to e-mail and voice mail but still prefer personal contact
• Gen Xers value the immediate response provided by e-mail and messaging
• Gen Yers have communicated via technology all their lives and believe cell phones and social
networking are essential and effective

5. UNDERSTAND MOTIVATION FACTORS
• Traditionalists and Baby Boomers are motivated by consistency
• Gen Xers seek independence and validation
• Gen Yers are motivated by a thirst of knowledge and learning

6. UNDERSTAND EXPECTATIONS OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE
• Traditionalists and Baby Boomers value hard work because they believe it leads to success
• Gen Xers and Gen Yers are both committed to their careers, but want balance in their lives

7. RECOGNIZE REACTIONS TO CONFLICT
• Traditionialists respect authority and utilize the corporate chain of command
• Baby Boomers are team-oriented and seek consensus
• Gen Xers like to resolve problems directly and immediately
• Gen Yers are proactive in using the conflict management skills taught during their school years

8. FOR MORE INFORMATION….
• Please remember, this is only a “snapshot” of the
generational divide- there is more in-depth research
being conducted to reduce the generalizations.
• If you are interested in having someone speak about this
topic within your industry and collaborate on how to
address these concerns, please contact @
bennettconsultants@gmail.com or call 434-515-2313