Targeting the Divide, Millennials vrs GenX what motivates them? Maturity aspiring vs maturity adjusting

• Millennials – are highly motivated to achieve maturity
  - Long youth experience
  - Desire to be taken seriously and achieve their goals
• Generation X are now parents
  • Strong desire to remain youthful and connected
  to ‘cool’
  • Results in a sense of frustration with being old.

In the old model, people put in their time, paid their dues, worked hard and were promoted and compensated. That pattern no longer exists. It is estimated that the typical Gen Y knowledge worker will have 10-14 jobs by the time they retire, if they do retire.

Some interesting work ethics of the different generations

Veterans who were born before 1946 are patriotic; loyal; polite; fiscally conservative; have faith in institutions; high work ethic; graciousness; experience; keepers of institutional memory. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are idealistic and optimistic; experienced; sandwiched in their generation between elders and kids; have difficulty admitting something is wrong; don’t like to ask for help; at risk for burnout; are highly skilled mentors. Generation Xers born between 1965 and 1981 are eclectic; resourceful; comfortable with change; self-reliant; adaptable; sceptical about relationships and distrust institutions; pioneers; entrepreneurial and independent; innovative; full of energy. Generation Ys, aka “The Digital Generation” born between 1982 and 2000 are globally concerned; integrated; cyber literate; media and technology savvy; expect 24-hour info; acknowledge diversity and expect others to do so; environmentally conscious and, will try anything but want flexibility in learning as it relates to delivery

Read more about work ethics  – When Generations Collide: Who they are. Why they clash.  How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work.