Team Communication Problems?
Posted on 09. Aug, 2010 by admin in Blog
People are influenced by a lot of things. Their personality, their experiences, their age, their parents, what they read, what they do. One aspect we thought was interesting was how age plays a factor in their approach. First, the ages are divided up into four categories:
- Seniors (1920-1945)
- Boomers (1946-1964)
- Generation X (1965-1980)
- Generation Y (1981-2000)
With each generation, what’s the difference in the answers for each question below?
What motivates your colleagues the most?
Seniors have an allegiance to management. Their mentality is “You tell me what to do and I’m not going to question it–even if I disagree with it.” They work hard and hope it gets noticed. It’s important to them that people who come in after them know what they’ve contributed.
Baby Boomers enjoy being in positions of authority. They’re trusting and loyal to people who report to them, and tend to be very matter-of-fact.
Generation X’ers look for a lot of positive feedback and do not like to be micromanaged. If they do not feel appreciated at a job, they have no problem moving on to the next one. They’re trying to get into management positions to increase their salaries–they would uproot their family and go to China if it meant an opportunity for advancement.
Generation Y’ers enjoy autonomy to have a social life during work hours.
When it comes to collaborating, what are your teammates’ work styles?
Seniors like to take on a mentor role in the workplace. They don’t like to rock the boat and they’re not particularly interested in socializing at work. They’re not going to tell you if they’re struggling because they don’t want you to think they’re incompetent.
Boomers are tolerant. They tend to be self-starters and they try to be fair–to treat everyone consistently. They will voice their needs in the workplace.
Generation X’ers are self-sufficient. They like to feel respected and want to be acknowledged for their work.
Generation Y’ers like to work at their own pace. They enjoy computer based projects. They like to feel like part of the team, rather than being told what to do.
Who is more likely to leave the company to start a new business?
Seniors are at an age where often they don’t want to go into debt to start a business. Members of this generation who are entrepreneurs have probably been doing it for a while.
Boomers, because of issues like retirement, money, and health care may have to start a new company to reinvent themselves.
With Generation X’ers, the middle to younger end of this generation is very open to entrepreneurial ventures and wants to feel like they’ll be paid for the work their doing.
Generationg Y’ers, however, think very highly of themselves. They have a sense of entitlement. If they’re not getting what they want at a company, they will go out and start their own businesses.
While all of the above is interesting, you do have to remember that the descriptions above are based on the average individual within each age group. Because of this, you need to approach each age group slightly differently. Determine if the description above rings true for some of team members and use tactics which speak their thoughts to keep them motivated. Need help? Give us a call!
Source: How well do you understand your colleagues? (2010, Summer/Fall). Walden Alumni Magazine 5(2). pp. 54-55.
