e-Tips

In my workshops, talks and writings, I interpret broadly researched and observed generational attitudes and behaviors to help solve challenges people encounter at primarily knowledge-based work. (The flow formula is Influence>Attribute>Implications>Action.) My friend George Calderaro, Executive Director, Public, Corporate and Media Relations for Columbia University School of Continuing Education sent me an intriguing article by Carl Eeman, author of Generations of Faith. Titled “Generations in the Classroom: Why the Generations in Your Classroom Behave Differently,” the article is meant for teachers of college level traditional and non-traditional students, but I think it has applicability to other work situations as well.

Many of the attributes and resulting behaviors linked with each of the four generations that might be occupying classrooms today are familiar. What I found most interesting is that Eemann mentions other descriptors we hear about less frequently. For example, he talks about archetypes and temperaments as well as more familiar formative influences. So cutting to the chase, here are some of those traits by generation according to Eeman. These are generalizations, of course.

Gen Y/Millennials

• Left-brained, concrete, sequential thinkers – so they are asking for a lot of step-by-step guidance.
• Dominant Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) temperament is Sensing-Judging.
• Rule conscious and conventional
• What’s expected from teachers: expert, well-informed, tech-savvy. They are deferential to teachers who are, and frustrating to professors who want students to argue with them.
• Good at projects that produce outward, physical results.
• Like to get information in bite-sized bits.

Gen X

• Left-brained, concrete-random thinkers.
• Dominant MBTI temperament is Sensing-Perceiving, so they are action oriented, good crisis managers.
• Do well in small group work with a clear goal that produces a physical outcome (e.g., skits, videos, PowerPoint type presentations).
• Good at applications.
• Blunt, very practical, get to the crux of the matter using practical questions about details.
• Make the most of resources, and work well under deadlines.
• Want to spend time on “real” and “useful” things, not abstractions.

Baby Boomers

• Right-brained, tend toward abstract-random reasoning.
• Dominant MBTI temperament is Intuitive-Thinking.
• Question everything, and learn via discussion or argument.
• Creative, original, big picture, conceptual, basic-principle thinkers and learners.
• Often want to go beyond knowledge to wisdom and inner meaning (self-actualizing).
• Lively, intellectual students.

I find these categorizations quite interesting. At the same time, I question whether temperament, behavioral and learning style differ by generation or age rather than something more individual like core personality. (As a student of the DiSC personal behavioral style assessment, I was told that years of research indicated there are no significant differences in these factors by age.) But I was intrigued that the Boomer descriptors above capture mine remarkably well.

I will need to check out the research or do some of my own before I totally buy into the temperament and learning style (as distinct from learning media preferences) generational traits. But this gives us another bunch of factors to consider when training or working with multi-generations and clues as to how students and co-workers of different generations may perceive each of us.

What do you think? Do the traits listed for your generation ring true to you? I’ll start my research with you. Send comments to pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com or share on the Cross-Generational Conversation group on LinkedIn.

Phyllis

© Phyllis Weiss Haserot, 2013. All rights reserved.

* The generational chronology for easy reference: Generations are defined by the similar formative influences – social, cultural, political, economic – that existed as the individuals of particular birth cohorts were growing up. Given that premise, the age breakdowns for each of the four generations currently in the workplace are approximately:

Traditionalists:                           born 1925-1942   

Baby Boomers                            born 1943-1962

Generation X                              born 1963-1978

Generation Y/Millennials             born 1979-1998   

For coaching, training and special programs on inter-generational challenges for and among 4 generations in the workplace, attracting and retaining clients and employees of different generations, and maximizing the potential of young professionals and work teams, call or email Phyllis for an exploratory talk or complimentary coaching session at 212-593-1549 or pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com. Ask about our signature program *Frontrunner 5.”

Phyllis is available to speak at your organization or at firm retreats on inter-generational relations and organizational effectiveness topics. Call or e-mail for a list of topics or to custom-tailor your own.