Submitted by Jeff Corn, Fleisher Smyth Brokaw
The August 11th breakfast meeting featured a thought provoking and pertinent presentation that profiled the generational differences found within the commercial real estate workplace. By recognizing and understanding the four main generations within the industry, Caroline Turner of the Athena Group explained how it is possible to leverage the characteristics of each generation to your advantage.
Michelle Brokaw and Jeff Corn of Fleisher Smyth Brokaw moderated the meeting. They joined Jim Creighton as the three showed off their acting skills in an entertaining portrayal of a situation that might arise in the office as a result of the generational differences that are common in today’s commercial real estate industry.
“Jim is so stubborn – he isn’t open to new ideas, and he won’t give me any feedback on my own ideas!” complained Jeff.
“Jeff works on his own timeline, doesn’t respect our dress code, and thinks he knows everything!” lamented Jim.
Ms. Turner explained that until Jeff and Jim understand that the way they each approach situations in the workplace is in large part a result of the era in which they were brought up, these differences will continue to act as hindrances to their productivity and effectiveness. Once these differences are understood, however, they can be used to create highly effective workplace relationships. (Click here to watch a video of this amusing skit)
The four major generations within the workplace are as follows:
The Traditionalists: Born before 1944
Baby Boomers: Born between 1944 and 1960
Generation X: Born between 1961 and 1980
Generation Y: Born between 1981 and 2000
Historic events, music, technology, and heroes of the era all influence the characteristics of each generation.
Specifically, traditionalists were generally influenced by the great depression. They are typically frugal, extremely loyal and conforming. They were taught that as long as you work hard and play by the rules, the company will take care of you from cradle to grave. Their sense of loyalty extends into the workplace, and they appreciate formalities, hierarchies, and taking/giving orders.
Baby Boomers grew up in the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. They generally grew up challenging authority and watching out for themselves first. In the workplace they typically ‘live to work’ and are consensus builders who like being recognized for their work.
Generation X’ers generally saw their parents work hard and neglect their family life as a result. They, therefore, typically have a ‘work to live’ mentality, and, having grown up as ‘latchkey kids’ through the political scandal of the Nixon Administration, they are generally more cynical than their parents – all of which is generally reflected in their independent attitude in the workplace.
Generation Y’ers grew up in households where they were typically the center of their parents’ attention. They played team sports from a young age, were taught that everyone is special, and grew up with computers and modern technology. As such, in the workplace, they typically enjoy constant feedback and are used to multitasking and working virtually. Having grown up with constant praise, they don’t generally respond well to criticism and are much more informal in the workplace than older generations.
Caroline Turner offers private coaching for companies and executives on generational differences and a number of other topics common to the workplace. If you are interested in additional coaching from Ms. Turner for your company, please contact her at The AthenA Group, LLC, 303–320–1443 or email her at cturner@athenagroup.biz.
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