Generational Showdown?Boomers, Millennials, &

SuccessDr. Tom Harris

Professor EmeritusUniversity of Alabama

Demographic analysis Dispel the myth of common sense Rich portrait of where we are and are

headed The most striking social, racial and

economic shifts in a century “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion

but they are not entitled to their own facts.”

Overview

New milieu—mixed race Broad categories: Millennials (born after

1980, idealistic); Generation Xers (1965-1980, Reactive); Boomers (1946-1964, idealistic); Silent Generation (1928-1945, adaptive).

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Breakdown. 1960-85% white, 10% black, 4% all other

2010-64% white, 12% black,16% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 3% all other

Politics. 2012-most racially & ethnically diverse driven by Hispanic & Asian immigrants

Religion. No traditional religious belief or practice has increased in recent decades.

Demographic Transformations

Generational Showdown. Demographic changes have left no realm untouched. Growing older, more unequal, more diverse, more mixed race, more digitally linked, more tolerant, less married, less Fertile, less religious, less mobile, & less confidant.

Immigration. Replenishes workforce. Middle Class. Worst economic run since the Great

Depression. Hallowing of the middle.

Boomers-having trouble coming to terms with getting old; Millennials – trouble growing up.

Generational interdependence. “It’s hard to start a generational war from your bedroom.” 40% boomeranged back home.

Millennials at risk of being the first generation to have a lower standard of living. 10,00 Boomers retiring every day “Young and old are poles apart.”

Generational Tensions

Marriage. Fewer trying it. Religion. No traditional religious belief or practice

has increased in recent decades.

Millennials information ecosystem & social platforms vastly different – digital natives

Shift from relatively slow research process to a fast-paced, short-term exercise

Mobile connectivity Networked individuals using information Generation M (media). Graphic literacy &

navigation literacy

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Living Digital

Graying of the world’s population-enormous stress – because of better healthcare & fewer births.

History – life nasty, brutish, and short.

Getting Old

Education & Employment. Biggest gap between those who didn’t go beyond

high school and those that went to college. Unemployment rate-3.8% college; 12 % high

school. College graduates- albatross of debt

Economic Disparities

1. They expect to start at the top2. In spite of past successes, they have little experience in

long-term employment, career development, or the cultural complexities of most organizations.

3. Facebook and other social networks are the chose form of interaction.

4. Meaningful experiences & work are very important to millennials.

5. Organizations preach collaboration and for this group collaboration is a core value.

6. Speed is inbred in their behaviors.

Application 1 - Millenials

Where are we now? Where do we want to be? How do we get there? How do we get the collaboration of key

individuals?

Application 2 – Gap Analysis

1. Feeling of entitlement2. Not “spoiled”3. Praised & appreciated4. Learn best by doing5. Flexible and used to diversity6. Appreciate flexible schedules and independence7. Do not take criticism well8. Ambitious9. Salary is important10. Good benefits11. All (men and women) are confident

Application 3 Millennials – Understanding the issues