Workplace and School: Multi-generational

Similarities & Differences

. . . with Effective Neuro-science Based Strategies

© Dr. Rita Brodnax

Blessed is the generation in which the old listen to the young;

and doubly blessed, is the generation in which the young listen to the old.

• I’ve just accessed your school records. You have a lot of nerve complaining about my grades!

(70-90) I write a memo, send a letter,

call a meeting …(15-34) I send a text message or, replay online, connect to

social networking site. Did you really just leave me a voice message?

How do I

communicate?

(51-69) I write a memo, use

phone, set up a meeting …

(35-50) What are memos? I

send an email or instant message,

search online, meet virtually …

Haydn Shaw: Sticking Points Technique

Some thoughts … • Before you go and

criticize the younger generation, just remember who raised them.

Today’s Conceptual Journey …

1. Big ViewWhy WE are important to our species

2. Some Neuroscience

Basics

3. Why We

Work(Research Based)

4. Generation Similarities Differences

Over-Done Strengths Are Weaknesses

5.Neuroscience

Based Strategies

Generational Characteristics & EffectivenessPatterns, Cause & Effect, and Interdependence

Gnats, Hummingbirds & Human Beings

• Gnats• Hummingbirds

1. Why WE are REALLY REALLY REALLY important to our species

2. Neuro-science Basics Across Generations …

Faulty Wiring, Thinking: More Reactive than Proactive

Focus More on Short Term than Mid or Long Term

Motivational Crowding Out Not two equal incentives, and it alters the focus.

Penalty (Moral Decision) to Price (Financial Decision)

Shift: Dominance of Right and/or Left BrainWhole-to-Parts Parts-to-Whole

Tony Buzan

13

RIGHT & LEFT HEMISPHERE Interdependent Roles

The Brain processes parts and wholes simultaneously. People have enormous difficulty when either parts or wholes are overlooked. (The Creative Brain. Ned Herrmann)

Tony Buzan

• GI Veterans – Traditionalists 1925 to 1945Age in 2015: 70-90 Years Old

• Baby Boomers 1946 to 1964Age in 2015: 51-69 Years Old

• Generation X - Gen Xers1965 to 1980Age in 2015: 35-50 Years Old

• Generation Y – Millennials 1981 – 2000Age in 2015: 15-34 Years Old • Generation Z 2001 to 2010 5-14 Years Old

Generational Shift to Right

Hemisphere Dominance?

Why?

WORK: Foundational Approaches1776 Adam Smith: View of Humans & Work

• Wage Only Motivation & Main Incentive for Work

- Mundane Work OK, Nothing “Human” Is Lost - Basic Structure: Wage & Relentless Monitoring

• Stories of Luke (p. 12-14), Ben & Cory (p. 15), and Carlotta (p. 18) and JOB Crafting

• 21st Century: Brain = Learning Marvel

3. Why We Work by Barry Schwartz

Satisfied Workers are Engaged Workers

[Students too …]

1. Challenging: Stretches Comfort Zone, Uses Current Skills, Requires Learning, Can Develop as a Worker and Person

2. Has a Degree of Autonomy and Discretion

3. Is Meaningful & Significant: “Aim” of Work Is Valuable, Makes a Difference in the World, Opinion Counts

4. Is Varied, Engaging, Fulfilling and Somewhat Enjoyable

5. Provides Social Connections

4. Generational Similarities and Differences Over-Done Strengths Are Weaknesses

Connecting Generations … Shaped by Our TimesTitanium Rule: Do unto others keeping their preferences in mind. (Raines)

Generational Perspective Compelling Messages of Their Formative EraWW II ~GI Veterans1925-1945 Now 70-90 Yrs. Old3% of Workforce

Outlook …Work Ethic …View of Authority …Leadership by …Relationships … Perspective …

……………

Baby Boomer 1946-1964 Now 51-69 Yrs. Old 37% of WorkforceGeneration X1965-1980 Now 35-50 Yrs. Old22% of WorkforceGen Y~Millennials 1981—2000 Now 15-34 Yrs. Old38% of Workforce

The Values & Influence Assessment Titanium Rule: Do unto others keeping their preferences in mind. (Raines)

Values Area WW II GI Vets1925-1945

70-90 Yrs. Old3% of Workforce

Baby Boomer1946-1964

51-69 Yrs. Old37% of Workforce

Generation X1965-1980

35-50 Yrs. Old22% of Workforce

Gen Y Millennials 1981—2000

15-34 Yrs. Old38% of Workforce

Communication

Work Environment

Leader

Turn-Offs

Sticking Points by Haydn Shaw

How to get 4 generations working together in the 12 places they come

apart

12 Places They Come ApartCommunication Fun at Work PoliciesDecision Making Knowledge Transfer RespectDress Code Loyalty TrainingFeedback Meetings Work Ethic

(70-90) I will figure out the hierarchy and find

my place …(15-34)

I will give respect to those who “get it” and will take me

seriously…

How do I think

about respect?

(51-69) I can work my

way up to a problem that gets respect…

(35-50) I will give respect if you prove to me you deserve it …

Haydn Shaw: Sticking Points Technique

(70-90) I work 9-5 and stay late with overtime …

(15-34) It’s a 24/7 world, so I’m leaving at 5:00. I can log on tonight.

Whatdo I think about

work?

(51-69) I work 8-6 and

then take it home…

(35-50) I try to get it all done at work; I’ll take it home if I

have to…

Haydn Shaw: Sticking Points Technique

5. Neuroscience Based Strategiesto Be More Effective with All

1.Vision and Purpose (i.e. Mission Statement, Ultimate Goals and Short, Mid & Long Term Goals)

2. Clear AIM Communicated with a Degree of Job Crafting

3. Hemisphericity: Whole-to-Parts & Parts-to-Whole

4. MINDSET by Carol Dweck: “Improve intelligence not

Prove”

5.Storytelling

6. Effective Critical Thinking Skills and Habits

Importance of Work and LoyaltyDisposable Assets or Valued Member (Tolbize)

• “The perceived importance of work is decreasing both within cohorts as they age and among new workers entering the workforce.” (Tolbize, p. 14)

• Employees perceive “lack of loyalty” from employers and companies …

• Treated as Disposable assets rather than valued members of the organization

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENTMultiple Modes to Improve Ability and Performance

(MINDSETS by Dweck) (Generational Differences in the Workplace by Anick Tolbize)

Mentoring Job & Leadership Content

Peer Interaction and Feedback One-on-One Coaching

Either in Person, On-line or BothOn-the- job Discussion Groups

COMMUNICATION, Conflict & Respect

• Intergenerational conflicts are often errors of perception … (Tolbize)

• Over communication is the RULE in multigenerational work places

• Be aware of, respect and work within: – Different work styles – Different communication styles

Dealing with QUESTIONS Effectively (Deal)

• Figure out WHY and their thinking behind the question

• Do not assume that they are trying to cause trouble, or are being disrespectful, or are trying to make someone look bad

• Encourage and seek out questions and comments thru consistent practices/strategies

• Seek to understand and look for gems (RB)

Blessed is the generation in which the old listen to the young;

and doubly blessed, is the generation in which the young listen to the old.

We need to remember across generations that there is

as much to learn as there is to teach.

- Gloria Steinem