Multigenerational Chart KEY

Multigenerational Chart—Use the links from http://wblconnections.com/wordpress/?p=46 to help you complete this table.

If you look around your workplace or school, chances are you’ll see people of many different ages representing several generations working together. Because each generation has been shaped by a different set of experiences they have different values and expectations. Often, when co-workers have trouble getting along, the gaps or differences between their generations may be contributing to the problem. When you know more about each generation and their strengths and talents, you will have greater success working cooperatively. Learning more about the different generations will not only help you in the workplace but also with family and personal relationships that include multiple generations. Fill in what you know about each generation in the chart.

Generations	How many do you know or are associated with?	Best Way to Communicate with this Generation	Characteristics of this Generation	Career Motto	Influential Historical Events	Most Positive Quality
Builders/Veterans (1922-43)		Treat colleagues w/ respect. Show that you’re organized; emphasize long-term goals & the history of the concept. Use your best grammar. Phone, Memo, face-to-face	Directive, Disciplined, Pays Cash—little use of credit, Traditional, conformers, respect authority, patriotic	“Seek job security.”	two wars & the Great Depression	Loyalty, respect for authority
Baby Boomers (1944-1960)		Est rapport. Tie concept to development opportunities and to org mission/values as well as the individual. Recognition is especially important to Boomers. “Call me anytime,” Pre-Cell Phone era, in person	Optimistic, workaholic, works toward/for cause, questions authority, want quality	“Education plus hard work equals success.”	Prosperity, change and expansion. Grew up with a strong sense of security due to strong economic conditions.	Concern for family and financial security
Generation X (1960-1980)		Show respect for their time by approaching them efficiently. Be straightforward in your approach, leading with the bottom line. Use results based language. Cell Phone generation—call anytime—direct, immediate--even at work	Self-reliant, skeptical, direct/immediate in communication, ask questions—dislikes rules	“Invest in portable career skills.”	Vietnam War Age of latchkey kid, due to necessity of 2-income families. Era is marked by unrest; disappointment in leaders; anxiety around health, safety, job and financial areas.	Self-sufficient, good technical skills, independent
Generation Y/ Millennials (1980-2000)		Use a collaborative approach, including peers in the meeting when possible. Be positive. Show respect for their achievements, and use technologically impressive presentations when available. Internet, e-mail/voice mail, picture phone, etc.	Multi-taskers, entrepreneurial, like to work with creative people.	“Multi-track or die!”	Born into homes w/ computers-digital era. Technologically savvy. Flooded with choices—sometimes these conveniences and multiple choices/options create problems. Choices and decisions are at times made without the benefit of wisdom and skills to support the decision.	Excellent technical skills Exhibits tenacity, is tolerant of others, and is motivated by goals

Circle the generation where you have the most contacts. Star the generation you identify with.

Underline the generation where you have the fewest interactions. Draw a rectangle around the generation you prefer to work with

In your opinion, why would Human Resource managers in corporate America want to know this type information or include this training for new hires? Use the back of this sheet to complete your answers.

People are living longer and communication with multiple generations/ethnic groups, etc, is increasing. Due to diversity in every respect, employers and employees are being required to develop relationships with all generations. Through learning more about each generation, we are better able to work and live more cooperatively and productively. Hopefully knowledge and acknowledgement of diversity will provide those in the workforce some insights to help all concerned better relate to superiors as well as co-workers. HR personnel need to learn and help others learn characteristics of each generation in order that each generation can better understand what makes each person the individual he/she is.