Balancing The Generations

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Balancing the Generations

A Leader’s Guide To The Complex, Multi-Generational,

21st Century Workplace

Bob Mason

http://www.planleadexcel.com/


Do you know:

What three significant events between 1900 and 1945 have impacted every generation since?

Who really led the counter-culture movement of the 1960's and 1970's?

What broad influence has made a majority of the Millennial Generation significantly different? (Hint: Not computers)





The workplace has become a melting pot of 5 different generations.

Differences in the generations often result in conflict and many leaders are not well equipped to handle that conflict.

One of the biggest contributing factors is that most people don't have an understanding of the influences each

generation experiences.



• 5 Generations impact today’s workplace– GI Generation (1900 – 1927)– Silent Generation (1927 – 1945)– Baby Boomers (1945 – 1964)– Generation X (1964 – 1980)– Millennials or Generation Y (1980 – 2000)

Notice the dates overlap – This isn’t an exact science!




• GI Generation– Big influence on Boomers and Xers– Still around with power and influence– Generation was formed by three big events

• World War II, Great Depression, the 1920s

– Has seen more change than any generation ever– Produced 7 US presidents



• Silent Generation– Similar to GI Generation

But– Different and should not be combined with GI Generation– Affected by the depression, but in a different way– Leaders of social change i.e.: Dr. Martin Luther King– Leaders of 1960s counter-culture movement




• Baby Boomers– Larger than any previous generation– More educated than any previous generation– Grew up with new mobility – saw the world– Computer icons; Jobs, Wozniak, Gates, Allen– Competitive and driven in the workplace




• Generation X– Smallest generation among the 5– Enjoyed relatively stable economic conditions in early and

young adult years

But,– Saw Savings and Loan and Enron scandals and most

significantly, the dot com bust – severely impacted their economic outlook

– Can be a bridge between Boomers and Millennials




• Millennial Generation (Generation Y)– Largest generation ever– Grew up with technology boom – digital natives– Members often feel entitled– Very diverse generation

• Very different view of racial and ethnic issues• Wide range of upbringing – Mothers from 3 other generations

– Members expect to have opportunities to grow




• Generations are different yet often alike– Silent and Gen X for instance

• Generations not always as they are portrayed– Boomers did not lead the counter-culture protests – Millennials were not born with computers in their hands

• Generations are the product of the previous generation– Generation X often pushed aside by Boomers– Millennials display input from 3 generations


1900 1927 1945 1964 1980 2000

GI Silent Boomers Xers Millennials



• Communication is different, but not impossible– Boomers usually don’t want much explanation– Millennials want lots of explanation

• Boomers and Millennials see the workplace differently– Boomers see material opportunity– Millennials see personal opportunity– Xers tend to see potential conflict


1900 1927 1945 1964 1980 2000




Most important point

Generations are just categories. Not everyone fits the standard definition.

Leaders will be more successful when they understand the individual as well as that person’s generational influences


1900 1927 1945 1964 1980 2000




Bring this exciting and informative program to your organization Contact Bob at [email protected] or 866-243-1682


A Leader’s Guide To The Complex, Multi-Generational,

21st Century Workplace

Bob Mason

Bob Mason helps companies develop energized leaders, engaged employees and more profits


mailto:[email protected]

Balancing The Generations

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