OK, as we head into 2009, I thought a diagnostic approach would be the order of the day.
About three years ago we covered in a previous issue of C&T the generational differences that are present in our workplace. As we are all currently experiencing the cause of some radical global market shifts, thought it would be pertinent to re-visit again.
Now we don’t have the answers to how the world should bring into line the global money market , but it’s always interesting to note some of the influencing factors around us as we pull out of it. Some of us could see it coming, whilst others were broadsided.
Why were some aware whilst others not? Some were credit happy whilst others were credit shy.
Every generation was influenced by the banking community offering credit so we are not pointing to one group of people by their age. However, the younger generations were easily influenced more so than their older colleagues.
Ask the baby boomers, the older generation, about money, and they will remember the days when your pay-packet was an envelope, with dollars and cents in there. There was little credit, and the closest item to a credit card was a bankbook that the teller stamped when you went into a bank to withdraw money, during bank hours.
That’s right, only during bank hours. ATMs were not on the radar, and when they arrived, few people were game to use a machine where money popped out of a slot into your hands next to total strangers, in the middle of a street.
Ok times have changed and the Baby Boomers have accepted change, whilst Gen Y’s know no difference. They were born with credit cards in their hands. Now this is no blame game on who caused the global credit squeeze, but we need to be aware of the generational differences as we move forward, and we will. This inconvenience is short lived.
Ok let’s look at who’s who in the zoo! The world consists of Generation Y (1994-1980), Generation X (1979-1965), Baby Boomers (1964-1946) and Traditionalists (1945-1900), all with a different approach to the new year and the current global crisis.
Oh, and by the way the next generation playing on your computer at home, installing the latest software challenging Microsoft’s latest operating systems are called “Millennials”. Best remember this little group as they sneak up on all of us!

How to keep a straight face … or save face.

This clever algebraic expression is self explanatory. Generation x + Technology = y
Both the Boomers (aged 42-60) and Gen X’rs (aged 27-41) have something in common. They’re goal setters, chronological thinkers who process information in linear form, from front to back, from top to bottom. They understand how today’s decisions may impact upon tomorrow.
Now Generation Y’s or should we say “Whys” (Aged 12-26) are the digital thinkers who process information randomly as opposed to sequentially. They’re not inherently convinced that today’s actions will affect tomorrow’s outcomes in any certain way.
They know all-too-well that someone can be the hero today and a villain tomorrow - and visa versa.
They reflect upon icons who have survived drug addictions, criminal prosecution, sexual misconduct, bounced back and made millions in the process.
Interestingly a third of this group will opt for a portfolio career, made up of part time and entrepreneurial ventures.
In North America a trend is occurring within this group with just below half of the “Y” workforce opting not to work full time for a single employer.
Gen Y’s are seeking a more flexible lifestyle, that’s also highly mobile. Although this sounds a tad self centered and non committal, statistics also indicate that a third are involved in some kind of volunteer or not for profit activity.
So it appears this has been a legacy from the “X’rs who are environmentally and socially conscious. It’s also said that X’rs are the generation looking for peace of mind and leisure time.
They’re health conscious with almost half the generation using vitamins or supplements as well reading labels. If you haven’t already noticed they are also the prominent generation who live longer at home. This is influenced by boomer parents possessing a strong sense of family values. 

So how does this affect me at work?
Look around you, be aware of the make up of your colleagues, identify the potholes before stepping into them, and observe those characteristics of others and take a mental note.
Use this information to assist in achieving your goals.
Our environment is constantly changing due to the people in it, so we should be aware of where the changes are occurring and by whom.
Change occurs as a consequence of people’s actions, not because it just happens.
So, who are you in 2009? Are you the leading edge of change, or someone who’s comfortable in riding the wave? Not that there’s anything wrong with that. However, if you’re a rebel, chances are your career will stagnate.
People are a company’s greatest asset, so identify those in your organization with traces of positive change, harness a team with like values, be part of this team, and forge a career where others will follow.

Karl Jansson
Managing Consultant
Broadcast Technology
Beilby
Level 9, 255 George St
Sydney NSW 2000

e: karl.jansson@beilby.com.au
w: www.beilby.com.au