November 2002 - 4 Generations at Work: Collision or Collaboration?

How to communicate your volunteer program to any generation

Presenter:
Dr. Mitch Kusy
Professor of Organization Learning & Development at the University of St. Thomas
Co-author of Fast Forward Leadership (Order from the University of St. Thomas bookstore)

Dr. Kusy entertained a full house with his insights on the generations. His visuals [198k PowerPoint document] are self-explanatory, so just a few additional notes from his remarks are offered:

On communication:

• Communicate with pizzazz - it"s the volunteer manager"s #1 tool.
• Persuade using technology, if you can"t meet with volunteers face-to-face.

On selling your message:

• Ask "What does the audience want, not what are the skills I have to offer?"
• Think in stories, bullets, numbers.
• Remember there"s beauty in brevity.

On why the multi-generations are receiving so much media attention now:

• There"s been a technology shift.
• People are working longer.
• There are more generations working now than ever.
• There are different work ethics and motivations.

On Generation Y - Ages 7-26:

• They"re a values-driven generation. Are they producing value? Tell them, "This is what you will get by volunteering with this organization."
• They usually date in groups, so may relish being on a team.

On Generation X - Ages 27-38:

• They want more balance in their lives than their parents.
• They want attention (latch key kids), but not doting.
• They"re not organizationally loyal. Perhaps stay 2-3 years.
• #1 social cause is the environment.

On Baby Boomers - Ages 39-56:

• This is the "touchy-feely" generation.
• Many are getting burned out and looking for career rejuvenation, sabbaticals.
• Perhaps you"ve noticed a surge of volunteers (seeking meaning of life; self-discovery).
• They want to be contributors.

On Traditionalists - Ages 57-77:

• They"re a rich source of volunteers and information.
• They make good loaned executives.
• They need to show value.

Thank you to Laura Jaeger and ADC for hosting at their beautiful campus!

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