Simon Sinek’s interview on Millenials (below) has become one of the largest viral phenomenons of our industry, and rightly so.

Conflict is opportunity.

We wanted to share the interview together with this fact sheet which may ‘grease the wheels’ of any inter-generation issues in the work place… after all, a viral video may not be the best way to present information to the generations that go before us.

Baby Boomer — born between 1943 and 1960
Gen Xer — born between 1961 and 1981
Millennial/Gen Y — born between 1982 and 2002

Background

With an age gap of nearly 50 years between the oldest and youngest employees in some organisations, there is a broad range of perspectives, needs and attitudes floating around the office, and while generational diversity in the workforce promotes a broader range of talent, it can often bring conflicting ideas and stereotyping.

The Colour Works believes recognising and valuing difference can empower individuals, teams and entire organisations. Generational differences are one of the countless hurdles that can get in the way of exceptional teamwork.

The Basics

As self-autonomy diminishes throughout the generations, expectations of instant gratification heightens in a world where everything is easily and globally obtainable with the click of a button. Though it’s important not to pigeonhole, shared similar experiences of a generation can clue us in, generally speaking and on a top level, to why they are how they are and, indeed, how to work with them.

The Problem

2016 has seen Millennials dominate the workplace, comprising more than 40% of the UK workforce, and many Babyboomers leaving, taking a wealth of knowledge with them. Whilst the workforce is at its most diverse thanks to equality laws, the huge differences in needs and expectations among it is makes for a complex set of management issues that employers need to face head-on. Efficient and effective management of your people, and championing of the values different generations of workers bring, will become increasingly indispensable as the working landscape changes.

43% of organisations do not have a talent plan in place at all, and, though it is on the increase, many organisations have even retired topics like talent management and employee engagement since the recession in 2008.

The Fix

Whilst the current education system struggles to produce work-ready youngsters, workplace training is still in decline.

Employers face a serious set of challenges. They must appeal to and cater for a multitude of conflicting needs across different generations; navigate a complex set of employment legislation; and address what their own role should be in helping to shape what some business leaders have described as a failing education system — to name a few.

The upcoming generations are curious, aspirational, and believe they can be anything they want to be.

Tips and Pointers

Boomers and Xers had a hugely higher level of independence and freedom, (Xers being the ‘latchkey’ generation), so don’t be surprised if they choose to work alone or expect you to do so.

Millenials on the other hand, thanks to the ever-growing ease of technological communication, were not left to their own devices half as often.

Taking that point forward, Millennials tend to need and expect more encouragement. Theirs can be heard to be named the generation of ‘Everyone’s a winner’, featuring high levels of praise and encouragement.

Xers as leaders will not parent you — they are likely to use a hands-off approach and will expect the same entrepreneurial energy from you as they have developed themselves.
Expect Xers to vet even the best of ideas. Try not to take it to heart, they grew up questioning everything.

How We Can Help

The Colour Works is a team of Personal, Team and Leadership Development specialists who have been transforming performance globally and in all 3 sectors since 2003. We exist to equip individuals with the knowledge, tools and confidence to fulfil their own potential in the workplace.

At the heart of what we do is the belief and understanding that it all starts with the self-awareness of the individual. Using the vehicle of the Insights Discovery Profile, we get you reflecting on who you are, understanding how others may perceive you and starting conversations to improve personal effectiveness and quality of relationship.

View full video here.