While learning about individuals and their attitudes and values in COMM 292, we touched upon each of the generations. Some characteristics for each are listed below in the diagram, where you can compare them side by side. While talking about these different generations, we learned that these differences are very important for a manager to understand. They need to use this information to better understand their employees an adjust their motivational methods and rewards depending on the generation, for them to be most effective.

Photo From: http://www.commsaxis.com/workplace-generations-infographic/

This Forbes article by Victor Lipman, touches upon the 3 main ways in which the generations differ: communication style, adapting to change and technical skills. He also talks about how managers can use this information to create productive teams that incorporate all generations. This is increasingly important in today’s work place because the work place is currently made up of 3 generations and their productivity and collaboration are crucial to a company’s success.

In order to create successful cross-generational teams, Lipman says managers should group together members with different perspectives and complimentary skills, similar to how I believe our COMM 292 groups were created. He also says to change up regular meeting routines, let newer employees take on important roles and adapt your managerial styles to different employees. I believe if you were to implement all these strategies, you could create a very positive and productive workplace where all generations could interact and work well together.

Word Count: 240

Work Cited

Lipman, V. (2017, January 25). How To Manage Generational Differences In The Workplace. Retrieved February 03, 2017, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2017/01/25/how-to-manage-generational-differences-in-the-workplace/#39ebb31d27a1

• comm292