Understanding Generational Differences

Understand Generational Differences
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For the first time in history, four generations are working side by side. Different values, experiences, styles, and activities create misunderstandings and frustrations By the year 2014, 70 million Baby Boomer (including many teachers and school leaders) will entire retirement in large numbers Generation X, a generation with different sensibilities and priorities than Boomers, will assume positions of leadership in schools and districts

The Generational Divide (U.S. Population)
Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y/Millennials
Born 1925-1945 50 million GWAEA 6% (28) Born 1946-1964 80 million GWAEA 70% (341) Born 1965-1980 46 million GWAEA 22% (110) Born 1981-2006 76 million GWAEA 2% (9)

Traditionalists (61+)
Influences
Great

Characteristics
Patriotic

Depression Roaring 20’s WWI and II Korean War GI Bill

loyal “waste not

want not” Faith in institutions— one company career Military influenced top down approach

KEY WORD: LOYAL

Traditionalists (61+)
 Value

Logic and Discipline Like Change to Build a Legacy

 Don’t

 Want

Baby Boomers (42-60)
Influences
Suburbia TV

Characteristics
Idealistic

Watergate Protests, Human Rights Movement Drugs & Rock ‘n Roll

Vietnam,

COMPETITIVE

Question

Authority

KEY WORD: Optimist

Baby Boomers (42-60)
 “Me”

Generation Title, Recognition

 Money,

 Want

to Build A Stellar Career

Generation X (26-41)
Influences
Sesame

Characteristics
Eclectic Resourceful Self-reliant Distrustful

Street, MTV Game Boy PC Divorce Rate Tripled Latch Key Children

of

Institutions Highly Adaptive to Change & Technology

KEY WORD: Skepticism

Generation X (26-41)
 Possibly

Most Misunderstood Generation  Need a