Cheryl’s Blog- Leadership, Trends and Generations in the Workplace » generations inthe workplace

Motivating Gen Y, X and Zoomers

cheryl — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:06:35 +0000

I am often asked how do we motivate the different generations.

Motivating a Gen Y is like having to be a cheerleader- whether we like it or not! They only respond to praise and when giving feedback they are very sensitive to language- as soon as you use the word ‘criticism’ to a Gen Y they stop listening! An example script to a Gen Y to motivate would be:

“Hey Jordan, excellent job on answering the phone for that client- really well done. Hey next time you would increase your closing ratio if you used this tried and true technique I learned years ago.”

A Gen Y responds to this because you are supporting them not ‘dissing them’.

A Gen X is much tougher and can hear the feedback but wants you to make sure you don’t blind side them. So you could say to a Gen X

“Tyler, you know how your quota this month was to book 3 meetings? Well you are at 1 meeting and it is the 28th of the month- I have taken a look at your best months and it struck me you could take a stab at the client from 6 months ago to see if that gets you to quota.”

This motivates a Gen X because they can tell you have done your research and that you are helping them to win.

To motivate a boomer is much more about recognition and WIFM (what’s in it for me?) so if you say to a boomer the following:

“Cheryl, I dont need to beat around the bush with you- you know what you are doing. I noticed you seem a little stressed or overwhelmed lately and this is affecting your results. What ideas do you have that can solve this? I have some thoughts too I just thought we could brainstorm.”

Another question I am asked is “ How to you motivate them when they are all together?

You have to ensure you are speaking to each demographic and honoring the values of each demographic. For example when I speak to a group I will put in language that the Gen Y understands such as LOL on a slide or when I am talking I will also put a tech question out to a Gen Y and their simple answer usually blows both the Gen X and the boomers away.

To honor Gen X I recognize them as the squeezed generation managing up and down in age groups and that their ability to deftly manoever between these generations is a valued skill.

The boomers have worked really hard to get where they are and they are really looking for confirmation that they efforts have not been in vain- so I will honor their hard work ethic and encourage them to share their knowledge rather than to hoard it.

A successful meeting to meet the needs of each generation would have the following:

1. Music/pictures for Gen Y

2. Handouts with supporting data and charts for Gen X and Boomers whereas Gen Y does not want handouts but they want a post meeting email, intranet post or text.

3. Opportunity for them to hear from each demographic- include 20 somethings to present on tech topics to your meetings. The Q and A sessions are nothing short of incredible!

4. Team discussions with mixed ages to solve challenges and come up with ideas

5. Recap of success of meeting, follow up with an email, a post on Facebook, a cheer on the Intranet, a blog post by the company President etc.

Are Gen Y’s More Optimistic Than Zoomers?

cheryl — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:44:59 +0000

I recently spoke at the MPI Mid America Conference in Lexington, KY and one of my presentations was on working with the generations in the workplace in turbulent times.

I was in the elevator coming down to set up for the presentation and I was joined by a gentleman who would be considered to be a Zoomer ( a modern Baby Boomer). I introduced myself and told him I was going to be presenting on the generations. His immediate comment was:

“Those Gen Y are having a reality check right now aren’t they? Now they know what it feels like to be in a recession.”

It got me to thinking and asking myself, “Is it possible that because Gen Y has not had experience with past recessions they do not have a context for this one?”

That thought then led to the next question to myself which was, “Is it also possible that the fear and cynicism of those of us who have been through previous negative experiences is causing us to ‘project’?”

We simply cannot compare ‘recessions’ and we also cannot ‘project’ our fear of past experiences on to the current generation. First of all they don’t believe the hype. Yes some of them may have lost their jobs and yes that is a wake up call at any age- but their concerns are not about the same things that would concern a Gen X or a Zoomer.

Gen Y’s have a natural born social structure supported by social media that as quick as they may have lost a job they have a friend who is telling them about another opportunity!

Zoomers who are using social media (FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Plaxo etc.) at varying levels are recognizing the benefits of being ‘connected’. If as a Zoomer you are choosing to remain a lone wolf or to figure things out for yourself then indeed YOU are in for a harsh reality.

It is easy to be more optimistic when you are connected and socially supported. It is also easier to be pessimistic when you are disconnected, wishing for things to return to the way they were and unwilling to change.

So in the end are Gen Y’s more optimistic than Zoomers?

Well the next time you drive by a high school, college or university take a look at the ‘mood’. You will likely see fist bumping, hugging, laughing, texting, and talking on cell phones.

Top 3 Workplace Trends for 2009

cheryl — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:46:10 +0000

The Top 3 Workplace Trends for 2009

2009 is gearing up to be a year of transformation- check out these trends:

Zoomers will not be retiring as planned- USA today surveyed a group of Zoomers and 41% have said they will not retire as planned and will be remaining in the workforce. This means the generational workplace opportunities is here with us for at least another decade.
Technology will accelerate and users will increase their knowledge of technology to meet the demands of new economy. Zoomers will now buckle down to learn the technology they have avoided or been intimidated by. Gen X and Y will continue to push for use of technology to simplify work processes.
Globalization of talent means companies will look globally not just locally for the right talent- language will not be a barrier as technology simplifies translation- this does mean companies will further embrace diversity as an asset.

And there is one more…..women owned businesses are expanding

according to NAWB http://www.nawbo.org National Association of

Women Business Owners. 24% of those surveyed says they plan to

add staff this year!