Managing Multi-Generational Teams
After one of my multi-generational team building workshops, a participant asked: How can generational awareness be managed correctly, for example in a multiple generational working group, where all the team members might be wanting to adapt to the other generations needs? That could create a lot of confusion. My answer is: You’re right! This could […]
Working with a Multi-Generational Board of Trustees
I was recently asked the following question after a generational team-building seminar: On my Board of Trustees, there are a few distinguished /influential members who were born before the Baby Boomer generation. Do you have any resources as to approaches we can take, to get them to buy in to decisions? The generation before the […]
Diffusing the Gen Y Entitlement Challenge
After speaking to Cornell University alumni on managing multi-generational teams, I was asked the following question: My question is about how Gen Y have difficulty when they aren’t invited to every meeting. This is seen by Gen X and Baby Boomers as a sense of entitlement. I’m wondering about language to use regarding those situations. […]
Three Ways to Motivate Gen Y
The pulse of business in America is throbbing. People are concerned about the financial crisis, economy and upcoming elections. Despite this uncertainty, organizational attrition rates are high, up to 20% for some large firms. So what can leaders do to not only retain Gen Y employees, but get the most out of them during these […]
How to Create Presentations That Engage Every Age
Want to keep each generation engaged during a presentation? Here are some quick tips: Generation Y “Edu-tainment” and media-rich Short, with 10 minute bite-size pieces Smaller metacognitive tasks Give images with few words Provide hyperlink resources Generation X Individual reflective learning style Provide rich array of resources, on-line and off-line Activities must be quick, relevant […]
Generational Stereotypes
We hear generational stereotypes all the time. How many times have you heard: Why do Boomers have to print every email? Don’t they know they’re killing trees? Why does Gen Y have to be online all the time? Can’t they have a face-to-face conversation? Why does Gen X have to find the flaw in every […]
Generational Social Media
Want to know how to reach each generation online? Baby Boomers are less price sensitive and tend to purchase for need. They place a value on product/service experience. Yet, to date, there is a lack of relevant content that mirrors their need for understanding features and benefits. They are a growing presence online, especially in […]
Creating Courses That Engage Gen Y
Gen Y is a tough act to teach. They grew up surrounded by media and marketing; they can download anything, at any time. So how do you keep them engaged when delivering a webinar or other types of distance courses? Here are some tips to keep it mind: – Keep it short – Use media-rich […]
Managing Up Through the Generations
Someone recently asked me, “What happens when a Gen Y employee is promoted to a managerial level and starts working with Gen X colleagues? Do they become more X-ish? Or stay as a Gen Y?” Here’s my answer: Every individual has deeply ingrained generational and personal values. Gen X generally values independence, pragmatism, focus, metrics/results […]
What Motivates Gen Y?
I recently spoke about managing generational differences at a leadership conference. After my talk, a Boomer asked me “How do I motivate my Gen Y son? He has so much potential, yet seems to want to do so little with his life.” This is a common question from both parents and employers; it’s clearly a […]
