SOME CALL THEM "ECHO BOOMERS"
For some time now we've been writing about a growing trend that's shaking up
the workplace. The children of the "Baby Boomer" generation are entering the
workforce in record numbers. Currently, in the U.S. alone, about 40 million
Millennials are in the workplace and by 2014, their numbers will swell to
about 58 million.
They are called by many different names. Most commonly they are referred to
as "Millennials" or "Generation Y." They have also been called "Trophy Kids"
-- in tribute to the numerous awards they received in childhood - and "Echo
Boomers."
Ironically, the name "Echo Boomer" may be the most appropriate term. It was
originally coined simply because their generation "echoed" the "boom"
generation in numbers. But millennials have much more in common with their
parents than population size. In many ways Millennials reflect some of the
best qualities of their Baby Boomer parents.
SHAPED BY TECHNOLOGY
Both the Baby Boomer and Millennial generations have been shaped by
technology. Just as Boomers were entering the workforce in the late 1960s
and early 1970s the use of computers was becoming widespread throughout
organizations. By the time Millennials arrived in the workplace a few years
ago, computer-driven technologies had completely redefined the way employees
work. But technology has shaped both generations in so many ways:
- The "TV" Generations - Boomers were the first generation to grow up with
TV and Millennials are the first generation to grow up with a plethora of
cable channels. But both Boomers and Millennials can relate to instant news
coverage, witnessing history in the making and continuous free
entertainment.
- Productivity "Tech" - In the 40 years since boomers took their places at
work, personal productivity has skyrocketed thanks to technological tools.
Boomers are versed in using computers, PDAs, voicemail and cell phones to
accomplish their goals while their offspring are increasingly conversant
with text messaging and social networking to collaborate on goals.
- The Music Goes Round - Personal music players, whether "Walkmans" or iPods
are popular with both Millennials and Boomers. And while there are the
inevitable differences in musical taste between parents and children, the
Millennials may be the first generation that actually likes their parents'
music. And after all, Boomers are history's first "rock and roll" parents.
THE VALUE OF VALUES
Boomers have been accused of being notorious workaholics while their
offspring have often been accused of lacking a work ethic. However, those
differences may be more matters of style than contrasts in values. When it
comes to the workplace, Boomers and Millennials share many values:
- The Keys to Success - Boomers were among the best-educated generations in
history and when they entered the workforce they were confidant of success.
Millennials have been equally well educated and they have also been
bolstered by plenty of feedback and positive reinforcement. And when it
comes to their prospects for success, Millennials take that for granted.
- Join the Team - Boomers understand that teamwork is the lubricant that
makes success possible. In turn, collaboration has been stressed so strongly
to millennials that the chance to join a workplace team is nearly a
condition of employment for them. In either case, Boomers and Millennials
should have no difficulty working together collaboratively.
- The Power of Diversity - The Boomer generation had a ringside seat to the
civil rights movement and the rise of feminism. Their children have been
raised to think of diversity as nothing less than a natural expectation. But
both generations seem to understand that there is strength in multiple
viewpoints and great power in diversity.
UNLOCKING THE PUZZLE
With thousands of Millennials entering the boomer-dominated workplace
everyday there are bound to be conflicts. While it is often easy to react to
the differences between generations, it may be more important to focus on
the similarities. That's one key to managing different generations in the
workplace. For more ideas you may want to look at my article "Leading a
Multi-Generational Workforce" by visiting
http://www.keygroupconsulting.com/multigen.php.
For a more comprehensive look at the promise and potential of the millennial
generation you may be interested in the forthcoming book, Keeping the
Millennials: Why Companies Are Losing Billions in Turnover to This
Generation, by Joanne G. Sujansky, Ph.D. and Jan Ferri-Reed, Ph.D. This new
book probes in depth the similarities and differences between different
generations, explores multi-generational impact on the workplace, and offers
strategies for grooming your millennial employees to succeed.
If you wish to be notified when this exciting new book becomes available
(within the next few months) please click the link below:
http://www.howtokeepthemillennials.com/
