(Cushing, Okla.) Suzette Barta, Payne County Extension Educator for Community and Economic Development, recently spoke to Cushing Lions about generational differences between Generation Y, Generation X, Baby Boomers and Veterans. Barta has held the position as Payne County Extension educator since 2008. She lives in Perkins with her husband, Joe (Perkins Fire Chief) and their three children. She is a member of all area chambers of commerce including Cushing, Stillwater, Perkins and Yale. She has also been a regular guest on KUSH radio on the Donna and Molly Show.
Barta was asked to speak about the generational differences so that club members might understand better how to communicate with the different generations in the workplace and community.
Breakdown according to Barta’s charts:
Generation Y – born from 1980 – 1994
Generation X – born from 1965 – 1979
Baby Boomers – born 1944 – 1964
Veterans – born prior to 1944
Barta focused mainly on the differences between baby boomers and Generations X and Y since they are the ones feeling “the shift.”
For many years, the baby boomer generation has been marketed to – simply because of their numbers. However, that is changing. In 2000, 48 percent of the workforce was made up of baby boomers. That number dropped to 41 percent in 2007. Generation X numbers increased from 29 percent to 34 percent. Generation Y numbers doubled between 2000 and 2007 going from 10 percent to 21 percent of the workforce.
As baby boomers continue to retire, the shift will continue. That shift is not only being felt in the workplace, but in civic groups where memberships are declining.
Here are the characteristics of the different generations Barta provided to the Lions:
Baby boomers:
1. Currently serve as corporate executives, senior partners, managers, etc.
2. They are motivated by titles, prestige, and perks and they define themselves by their personal accomplishments.
3. They are not afraid of confrontation and will not hesitate to challenge established practices.
4. They believe in hierarchical structure and “rank-ism” in the workplace
5. They believe in “face-time” at the work place.
6. Because of their numbers, marketers have always catered to them.
Characteristics of Generation X:
1. They were “latch-key kids” and kids of divorce
— Mistrust institutions
— Self-reliant and independent
— Do not like working with someone looking over their
shoulder
— Created a need for relationships (relationships over achievement)
2. Work is not their life – they believe in a work/life balance
— Can be motivated by recognition, communication with boss
3. WILL leave a job they don’t enjoy – even if it means taking a pay cut
4. They are technologically adept.
— They are the first generation to grow up with computers woven into their lives.
5. They like feedback at the end of each project.
— But leave them alone during the project.
6. They want a “portable” career – one that can go with them wherever they go. The will probably change jobs at least 5 times.
Characteristics of Generation Y:
1. Impatient
— Life is about speed
— Waiting is bad
— Constant audio/visual sensory stimulation
— Constant change is their norm
— A few minutes old is out-of-date
2. Adaptable
— They don’t just adapt to change, they demand it.
— Gen Y did not create this fast world; they just inherited it.
Gen Y thinks technology isn’t moving fast enough!
3. Innovative: Listen to them. Don’t discount everything they say as “inexperienced gibberish.”
4. Efficient/Multi-taskers: They can achieve maximum results with minimum effort, minimum resources and minimum time. (Rewards can make them move even faster.)
5. Desensitized: They’ve “been there, done that, seen that, heard that” – BUT they are not deHUMANIZED. In fact, many Gen Yers can be motivated by a philanthropic cause. When they see you care about them – they will care about you.
—Managing them requires a personal touch.
6. Skeptical: Speak the truth – it works wonders with them.
7. Disrespectful:
— They are stingy with their respect
— You don’t automatically get it because of your age, title or appearance
— On the flip – they think they are owed respect automatically.
8. Blunt: They’ve been taught to speak their minds
— You WILL hear what they think
— Crude – yes – but not judgmental. Don’t take it personally
— Try to prepare them for unpleasant situations
9. Tolerant:
— They ignore gender and racial biases
— They enjoy diversity.
— They don’t judge (good or bad) based on wardrobe.
— This makes them great on TEAMS.
10. Digital ( not linear)
— Inactivity bores them
— Find a way for them to make a difference as soon as possible.
Barta left the club with “five take home points” to be remembered when dealing with the “younger generations” – either in the workplace or in various organizations. They are:
1. Do not leave anything unspoken.
2. Have a positive relationship (be human) with your employees/coworkers.
3. Keep meetings (personal interactions) SHORT and to the point.
4. Explain the job that must be done, but when possible, allow them to be creative/innovative.
5. Help them to understand what’s “in it” for them.
To contact Suzette Barta, email her at [email protected]
Cushing Lions meet each Tuesday at noon in the Lions Den located at 124 W. Broadway in Cushing.
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