I am pretty flattered to continue to see everyone “talkin bout my generation“and I get the sense that people are starting to catch on that we really aren’t so bad. As Ben Gipson of DLA Piper pointed out in Innovate or Die – Managing Millennials in the Workplace, the Millennial generation “is comprised of 80 million workers who will be replacing the Baby Boom generation, who are now retiring.” I encourage you to read Ben’s post as you’ll find some great information and tips on how to manage Millennials.
Ben goes on to point out that “Every new generation has been frustrating for managers of previous generations.” So, why all the fuss around Generation Y? Frankly, I think we can chuck it up to social media and the shift that has taken place to how we communicate and digest information.
I was lucky early on in my career to meet some amazing people who taught me the importance of taking the time to build relationships with the people you work with. Find out what makes each individual tick. You are not going to get along with everyone but if you take the time to understand likes, dislikes and preferences it makes communication that much easier. This applies to any generation. Recently, I have done some of my own research on the Baby Boomers and was inspired to turn the tables and share some of my thoughts with my fellow Millenials on how to navigate this particular group.
One resource that has provided a tremndous amount of insight not just on Baby Boomers but all generations is Anna Liotta, award-winning speaker, consultant and author of Unlocking Generational Codes. I was fortunate enough to hear her speak last year at a local Legal Marketing Association event and often refer back to her book. Aside from gaining insight on my colleagues, Anna also has a fascinating story about being one of nineteen children (that’s a household of six generations).
And, without further adieu, here are my 5 tips to remember when working with a Baby Boomer (yes, this includes dealing with your parents). Baby Boomers, please do not take offense to this. I am speaking from experience here and I know that not all Baby Boomers are created equal.
- Boomers appreciate real live conversation. I have been guilty of communicating all too often via email or text but nothing can replace what happens when you are face to face or having a real conversation with someone. Do more of this and think before you send that next email. Ask yourself, would this be more effective if discussed live?
- Boomers had to “learn the hard way.” Do not be discouraged if you feel your manager, mom or dad is holidng back information. They want you to experience learning the way they had to. Be resourceful. Our advantage is the speed at which we can obtain quality information with social media. They had to talk to peers, use trial and error or go to a library.
- Boomers are not used to the type of collaboration Millenials are. Millenials are on the “we” team and generally prefer to solve problems and work in teams whereas Boomers are used to doing everything on their own. I’ve experienced push back from Boomers in the past when scheduling a team meeting to talk about solving a client problem. In hindsight, I realize they did not understand why I could not solve that on my own.
- For many Boomers, work has been/is their #1 priority. Do not be upset if you aren’t greeted with excitement when you ask to take that 2 week vacation to clear your head. Remember, Boomers have, for the most part, made work their #1 priority and view it as “proof of their life accomplishment.”
- Boomers do not always adapt well to change. Most of the Boomers have stayed in the same role most of their lives. Remember this when you spring on that new idea to completely change a process that has been in place for several years. It might take more time and information for your Baby Boomer manager to come around.
I am curious to hear from both Boomers and Millenials on their thoughts. How have you approached working with someone in a generation different from your own?
Thank you Cara McDonald for sharing Ben’s post which inspired this.
Image Courtesty of Elite Daily