COVER STORY


Motivate Generations, Boost Teamwork


Learn their communication styles and speak their language BY ROBERT KURTZ


W


hile the generation an individ- ual is born into cannot paint the entire picture of a person’s attributes and attitudes, it can provide insight for ASC leaders, says Margaret Chap- pell, RN, CASC, senior vice president of operations for ASC management and development company Ambu- latory Surgical Centers of America, based in Hanover, Massachusetts. “The most important thing is to understand fundamentally what each generation values as important. . . .what motivates each generation,” she says. “With this information, you can. . . .break down potential barriers to effective teamwork and put team members together that will encourage greater productivity and satisfaction.” Vangie Dennis, RN, executive director of perioperative services for WellStar Atlanta Medical Center and WellStar Atlanta Medical Center


South in Atlanta, Georgia, says she has strived to use her knowledge of generational characteristics and gaps to improve her leadership.


In a lot of institutions, including ASCs, there is a minimum of three generations mixed together: Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millenni- als and some even have traditional- ists. “To succeed with these different generations, our management style must evolve to reflect the diversity of the workforce and cater effectively to all generations,” she says.


Snapshots


There are three generations work- ing at Capital City Surgery Cen- ter in Raleigh, North Carolina, says Administrator Jamie Ridout, RN. “Our Boomers tend to be really con- fident in their judgment and ability. The Gen-Xers are a mixed bag, with


12 ASC FOCUS AUGUST 2018|www.ascfocus.org


some confident in their ability and others fairly reserved. Millennials seem to like being assigned tasks that they can oversee and control. They are typically quieter and reserved.” Traditionalists still working are often doing so because of their love for their job, Chappell adds. “They may also be drawn to benefits. Boom- ers tend to be passionate about their work and are often good teach- ers. They are eyeing retirement and, therefore, value salary and benefits.” Gen Xers seem comfortable with technology, but not to the extent of the Millennials, she says. “They tend to value learning and are patient with climbing the leadership ladder. Millennials are motivated by oppor- tunity. They need the chance to grow, to improve their entire being. Their career often comes secondary to their family or themselves.”


Ridout says that while she recog-


nizes that some team members share qualities associated with their gen- eration, she is careful not to define the different generations with broad strokes. “Each employee—regardless of their generation—brings personal


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