Is this your last semester of college or university? Are you graduating in a few months and about to head out into the workforce? Congratulations! This is an exciting time. However, it can also be overwhelming and even scary for some people. But it doesn’t have to be.<\/p>\n
Once you enter the workforce, you will need to know how to navigate your way through today\u2019s business environment. \u00a0This means that you\u2019ll have to understand who your manager and colleagues are and recognize what they expect of you. The more you ‘get’ them, the more successful you\u2019ll be at communicating and collaborating with them.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s workforce is comprised of four different generations: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Generation Ys. Each generation is shaped by different life-defining events and are motivated by different values and expectations.<\/p>\n
As a new entrant into the workforce, you\u2019re challenged will not only be understanding your older colleagues, but also with recognizing how your generation is perceived.<\/p>\n
Traditionalists<\/strong> were born between 1922 and 1945. While many Traditionalists have retired, some remain in the workforce at very senior levels. Traditionalist managers and colleagues are likely to expect you to pay your dues, follow directions, demonstrate respect for their expertise and authority \u00a0and adhere to organizational policies, practices and procedures.<\/p>\n Baby Boomers<\/strong> were born between 1946 and 1964. \u00a0They are found at all levels within an organization, with lots in middle and senior management. While this generation has created collaborative work teams, there is still an expectation that certain protocols be followed. \u00a0As the \u2018new kid on the block\u2019, you will need to ensure that you don\u2019t overpower team meetings. \u00a0\u00a0Baby Boomers will expect that you listen to and appreciate their know-how first, before you offer opinions and ideas. They want you to demonstrate that you are committed to the team\u2019s success, not just your own.<\/p>\n Gen Xers<\/strong> were born between 1965 and 1980. They are highly independent and results-focused. Gen Xers are completely unimpressed with authority and only grant respect to managers and colleagues that demonstrate competency, not just time-served. \u00a0Gen X colleagues and managers expect that you will get the job done with minimal supervision and that you don\u2019t rely on your parents, professors or friends to help you solve problems. \u00a0This generation looks to you to offer new, creative solutions for how to improve business performance.<\/p>\n Gen Ys<\/strong> were born between 1981 and 2000. \u00a0If you’re about to graduate from college or university, this may be your generation. \u00a0Gen Ys are eager to add value in the workplace, by offering new solutions and creatively leveraging technology. \u00a0\u00a0This generation is loyal to their colleagues and peers. They will help their friends get jobs at the same organization, if it\u2019s a fun place to work. As techno-savvy employees, Gen Ys are less likely to want to stick to a traditional 9-to-5 day. \u00a0This generation likes a fluid work environment that allows for maximum flexibility. \u00a0Your Gen Y colleagues expect you to involve them in team discussions, and that you will work as a group, ensuring the fair treatment of everyone.<\/p>\n Now that you understand generational expectations and motivations, you can prepare to navigate the business environment. \u00a0Here are five tips to help you successfully communicate and collaborate with all four generations:<\/p>\n Making the Transition from School to Work Is this your last semester of college or university? Are you graduating in a few months and about to head out into the workforce? Congratulations! This is an exciting time. However, it can … Continue reading How Each Generation Works<\/h3>\n
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