Keynote Topic:

Unite and Ignite: Bringing Generations Together

Think of the last time you heard comments like these...“You’re right, but I’m the boss!”...“Just do your job!”...“I remember when…”...“The kid wants a promotion after six months!” - How did you react? Were you offended? Were you okay with the comment?

The words and your reaction, as well as the reactions of others, reflect generational differences in the workplace. If you don’t think a person’s generation makes a difference, think of this example....when asked to recall how and where Kennedy died, the Silent and Baby Boomers would say gunshots in Dallas, Texas; Generation X remembers a plane crash near Martha’s Vineyard; and a Millennials might say, “Kennedy who?”

There is a serious new problem in the workplace, and it has nothing to do with downsizing, global competition, pointy-haired bosses, stress or greed. Instead, it is the problem of distinct generations — the Silents, the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials — working together and often colliding as their paths cross.

In this “Unite and Ignite” session, participants will learn:

• Each generation’s characteristics, and the similarities and differences;
• Common “collision points” among the generations;
• Four words that set the tone for unity (or disunity) among generations at work; and
• The Top DOs and DON’Ts for working in an intergenerational team.

The goal of this session is to help audiences better understand each generation and common collision points. So, in the broadest sense of the word, when they leave the session, they’ll have some tools and insights to be a more effective “Generational Diplomat” - understanding their own generation, and other generations, more effectively.

Ideal Audiences: Companies or workplaces facing the challenge of multiple generations and/or generational leadership changes, cities where Chambers and YP groups are trying to work together.

Themes: Generations, intergenerational cooperation, shared leadership

Recommended Resources: “Next Company” assessment or “Next City” handprint

Recommended Resources: “Next Company” assessment

Past Clients: We Energies, The Network: Young Professionals of the Quad Cities, Wausau Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

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