Four Generation Challenges

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TOPIC What are the opportunities, challenges and approaches in managing and working with 4 generation in the workplace. In what areas do you need to develop to lead a multi generation work-team. Opportunity This is the first time in American history that we have had four different generations working side-by-side in the workplace. Remember, if you are old enough, when older workers were the bosses and younger workers did what was asked of them, no questions asked. There were definite rules as to how the boss was treated and how younger workers treated older workers. No longer: Roles today are all over the place and the rules are being rewritten daily. At work, generational differences…show more content…
As a manager, it’s important to understand and acknowledge these differences to avoid misunderstandings and to help your team work effectively to meet its goals. Although some employees "challenges and approaches" Workplaces have always had multiple generations working side by side. There's the fresh-faced younger generation of newcomers, the established middle generation that holds most of the management roles and the older generation of senior executives who are 30 or 40 years into their careers. Each of these distinct age groups comes with their own generational differences, which can cause some friction among colleagues and bosses. The modern workplace is no different than those of years past, with Generation Y, Generation X and baby boomers all coexisting in the same office. But as more boomers work past retirement age, and tech-savvy millennials continue to graduate and enter the workforce, the stark differences in the values, communication styles and work habits of each generation are becoming increasingly…show more content…
Entitled. Tech obsessed. Over eager. These are just a few of the terms that come to mind for many older workers when they think of millennials, and this generation is well aware of the stereotypical ideas they're up against. But Milgram pointed out that Gen Y isn't alone: baby boomers may be perceived by younger workers as difficult to train and stubbornly set in their ways. "Older workers' experience is valuable, but can also become an obstacle if they rely on "been there, done that" attitudes that preclude new ideas," Maroney said. "Younger workers' enthusiasm and willingness to try new things need to be encouraged, but also channelled. They may not have the perspective to understand all the costs and risks associated with the opportunities they wish to

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