Generation Gap Communicate more effectively in a multi-generational workforce BY LEANA D. MCGUIRE


As our work force becomes increasingly diverse, it is important to keep in mind that most of us tend to treat others in the way we like


to be treated—essentially applying The Golden Rule. This approach, however, might be outdated and not the most pro- ductive way to conduct business in a multi-generational work environment. In my presentation “Communicating in a Multi-Generational Workforce,” at ASCA 2017, May 3–6, in Washington, DC, I will discuss a total of four gen- erations—the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millenni- als—and answer the question, “What makes each of us tick?”


The Silent Generation, also called


the Traditionalists, experienced the Great


Depression; Baby Boomers


experienced the civil rights move- ment; X-ers lived through the Water- gate scandal; and Millennials have known nothing but the full integration of technology and the occurrence of attacks, ranging from school shoot- ings to 9/11. Because the Traditional- ists went through the depression, their perception and approach to life is extremely practical. The Boomers are the picture of post-war optimism and career focus. In general, because a lot of them saw their parents divorce, X-ers are reluctant to commit. And Millennials tend to be determined and idealistic with no concept of function- ing without technology.


I will discuss approaches to


employee retention with each gen- eration, focusing somewhat on what Millennials prefer due to their cur- rent domination of the labor force. I will also point out the potential assets and liabilities of each generation in the workforce, along with the challenges


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to feel that they are working collabor- atively with all members of the team. Messages to motivate also are


When we recognize, respect and embrace the differences among our staff from a generational perspective, we work more productively as a team and our ASCs benefit on every level.”


— Leana D. McGuire, RN United Surgical Partners International


of interacting with members of gener- ations different from our own. Each generation has specific career goals and their approaches to them are as diverse as our individual genera- tional experiences. The Silent Gener- ation worked at the same job for life and, literally, got a gold watch at the end of their career. That approach has changed dramatically. Today, every- body is a job-hopper, which, in the past, would lead to career ruination. Each generation also prefers dif-


ferent feedback. The Traditionalists believed in “No news is good news.” That is not the case anymore. Gen- eration X-ers want ongoing feedback from their boss, and Millennials want


diverse. Millennials are motivated by the belief that they are making a dif- ference, X-ers are motivated by work- life balance, while Boomers remain devoted to their teams and careers and tend to go the extra mile. The utilization of technology also


plays a big part in how we interact with our employees. I often get complaints from the Boomers, X-ers and Tradi- tionalists that Millennials cannot func- tion without their phone in their hands. We will find out where technology is headed, and why it is so important. Employers often lose touch with


the fact that employees are unique to their individual generational influence and, as a result, perceive the world dif- ferently. When we recognize, respect and embrace the differences among our staff from a generational perspective, we work more productively as a team and our ASCs benefit on every level. My presentation will not offer fail- proof solutions to communication issues between differing generations, but it will provide fun and interest- ing insights that can lead to a bet- ter understanding of each other and a resultant increase in cohesiveness. I hope to see you at my session at ASCA 2017.


Leana D. McGuire, RN, is the director of learning and development at United Surgical Partners International (USPI) in Dallas, Texas. Write her at lemcguire@uspi.com.


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